Friends say the breakdown of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford’s marriage was very recent.
Some reports suggested that the TV couple, who have announced their divorce, had been living completely separate lives since 2022.
But despite facing immense personal challenges in recent years—coping with bereavement, work, and health issues— the couple have been living together and supporting each other until "the past few months", a source told The Mirror.
Holmes, a host on GB News, and Langsford, who presents on Loose Women, started this year muddling through together at their Surrey home.
A source told The Mirror: “They did not split up two years ago, one year ago or even six months ago. Their breakup has been very recent and only happened in the past few months.
“At the beginning of the year they were living together and working in the normal patterns, except for when Eamonn was off for reasons relating to his health.
“To suggest that this has all been going on for years is simply wrong. It hasn’t. They have been juggling things and getting by as they have for a very long time.
“Their marriage broke down very recently and while it is a sad time for them both, they are absolutely determined to keep things amicable.”
Friends have dismissed the notion that Langsford is driving the divorce, claiming “whatever has led to their divorce is private. It is between them”.
The pair, both 64, have faced numerous challenges in recent years. Holmes’ health issues and financial difficulties over a tax bill have been widely reported, as well as the death of his mother in 2022.
He underwent surgery for chronic back pain in October 2022, but his condition worsened significantly when he fell down the stairs at home during his recovery, breaking his shoulder.
Meanwhile, Langsford endured the devastating loss of her sister Julia to suicide in 2019. She now cares for her elderly mother, who has Alzheimer's and resides in a care facility near their home.
The Standard has contacted Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford’s reps for comment.
