In a rare and personal moment on Monday's Loose Women, presenter Ruth Langsford shared a poignant realisation about navigating life 'on her own' following her split from husband Eamonn Holmes.
A Candid Conversation on the Panel
The 65-year-old broadcaster returned to the ITV show alongside fellow panellists Coleen Nolan, 60, Kelly Brook, 46, and Jane Moore, 63. While the episode covered various newsworthy topics, the discussion took a deeply personal turn when the conversation highlighted the importance of female solidarity.
Ruth, who confirmed her separation from Eamonn Holmes in May 2024 after 14 years of marriage, spoke openly about her experience. 'I feel the older I get, and of course, I'm on my own now... I think anyway, the older I get, I realise how important my female friendships are,' she told the panel.
The Unbreakable Bonds of Friendship
Ruth reflected on her lifelong connections, mentioning her best friend Jenny, whom she met on their first day at senior school. Despite Jenny now living in Thailand, Ruth emphasised the enduring strength of their bond.
'We have been through some very, very difficult times in our lives together,' she explained. 'Even though she lives abroad, I just always know that we've got each other and my other friends who have got me through so many things.'
She concluded that maintaining these relationships requires more effort with age, stating: 'As I'm older I realise you need to really hang onto those friendships and work even harder at them, actually.'
Moving Forward and Self-Discovery
The panel's conversation also touched on how people move on from relationships, sparked by a remark about Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. Kelly Brook joked about the quickest way to get over someone, while the discussion turned serious.
Ruth shared her matured perspective: 'Like Jane said, it's experience... we're older and hopefully wiser. You realise, like you said, you've got to look after yourself, and you can't expect other people to complete you.'
Jane Moore, who was married between 2002 and 2022, added a powerful insight: 'Your greatest relationship in life should be yourself. Know yourself, love yourself and know you're going to be okay on your own if you have to be.'
She noted that at their stage in life, a partner should enhance an already complete existence, rather than fill a void.
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, who tied the knot in 2010 after 13 years together, share a son named Jack. A spokesperson confirmed their divorce in May 2024. Eamonn has since moved on with a new partner. Loose Women airs weekdays from 12:30pm on ITV and ITVX.
