Entertainment
Ruth Langsford extends TV break amid news of Eamonn Holmes’ blonde female pal
RUTH Langsford will not be making a return to Loose Women this week, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
The Loose Women anchor, 64, has decided to extend her break by another week following her split with husband Eamonn Holmes.
Earlier today, we told how Eamonn is being consoled by a blonde divorcee in her 40s – who also happens to be a marriage counsellor.
The TV presenter, 64, grew close to the woman last year after they first made contact several years ago.
Eamonn has been on outings with the woman, including a trip to a safari park, and he has showered her with gifts.
It is understood that Ruth was unaware of their liaisons until recently.
A telly insider has now told us: “Ruth will not be back on screen this week.
“She has decided to extend her break from ITV so will not yet be making a return to the Loose Women panel.”
Ruth and Eamonn confirmed their shock separation last weekend and revealed they are getting a divorce.
Revealing their split after 14 years of marriage in an exclusive statement to The Sun on Sunday, their spokesperson said: “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”
Ruth has not appeared on ITV1’s daytime show Loose Women, of which she works as a main anchor, since the announcement was made.
On Friday, however, she did put on a brave face and made a return to QVC.
Ruth was on the shopping channel to promote her fashion range and she notably had her wedding ring still on her finger.
Broadcaster Eamonn, meanwhile, was back on telly within days of their divorce being made public.
He was also wearing his wedding ring as he returned to his breakfast show on GB News and he thanked viewers for their “support”.
Eamonn said: “Just before we move on we’d just like to thank people for your support for Ruth and I over the last few days as to the news of our separation.
“Your support for both of us is very much appreciated.”
Ruth and Eamonn Relationship Timeline
Before the shock split announcement, Ruth and Eamonn seemed like one of the strongest couples on UK TV – even with their signature bickering style.
Here’s how their romance played out…
1997 – The couple first meet after being introduced by mutual friends, two years after Eamonn splits from his first wife, Gabrielle, with whom he has three children.
1997-2002 – To be respectful to Gabrielle, the couple kept their relationship out of the limelight. Ruth told Daily Mail: “I thought it spoke volumes about the sort of man he was, the sort of father he was and the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less.”
2002 – Ruth and Eamonn welcome their son, Jack, to the family.
2005 – Eamonn finalises his divorce with Gabrielle.
2006 – The pair begin to host Friday episodes of This Morning together.
2010 – Eamonn proposes to Ruth while at the Cheltenham Races, after asking Ruth’s mother for her hand.
June 2010 – Eamonn and Ruth marry at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire.
2016 – Eamonn undergoes a double hip replacement in the first of many health battles.
June 2019 – On This Morning, Ruth and Eamonn say the secret to their happy marriage. Eamonn credits “compromise, consideration and lots of conjugal,” while Ruth said it was “laughter and an equal marriage”.
November 2020 – Ruth and Eamonn are replaced on their regular Friday slot by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary in a ‘show shake-up’.
December 2021 – After a year of being moved to the bank holiday presenting slot, both Eamonn and Ruth left This Morning.
January 2022 – Eamonn debuted on GB News, while Ruth stayed with ITV in her long-standing role on Loose Women.
September 2022 – Eamonn undergoes spinal surgery after years of back issues including a trapped sciatic nerve.
November 2022 – Eamonn falls down the stairs of his Surrey home with Ruth and breaks his shoulder, requiring a new operation.
September 2023 – Eamonn has a spine and neck stretching procedure as part of his year-long recovery.
May 2024 – Ruth and Eamonn announce they have split after 14 years of marriage and a 27-year relationship.
He said it had been an “emotional weekend” as he spoke of the joy at seeing his beloved Manchester United win the FA Cup Final.
This weekend, The Sun on Sunday told how Eamonn has turned to his blonde relationship counsellor friend.
Sources say he treated her to a Beyonce concert, a Center Parcs visit last year and tickets to see Man United at Old Trafford.
A source said: “Ruth was obviously aware that her marriage was crumbling, but as details emerge, her upset has turned to anger.
“Eamonn’s friend is bowled over by being lavished with attention and kindness from him.”
The woman met Eamonn via Twitter after she commented on a post and it sparked a conversation.
Since then, particularly in the past 12 months, they are said to have become closer friends.
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A source close to Eamonn said: “She works for a charity Eamonn is involved with from time to time.”
Publicly, relations between Eamonn and Ruth have been civil after the split.