Ruth Langsford is reportedly grappling with "agonising guilt" over her estranged husband Eamonn Holmes' ongoing health struggles.
The Loose Women presenter is said to be concerned about appearing as if she's “abandoned” Holmes, who now relies on a wheelchair and walking frame due to chronic pain.
Sources claim that Langsford, 64, is caught between supporting her former partner and moving forward with her life. A source told Bella magazine that she feels "terribly guilty" and that seeing recent photos of a "frail" Holmes has been very hard for her.
Friends, who describe the ITV star as a "sensitive soul," have encouraged her not to be too harsh on herself as she adapts to her "new normal."
The source added: “Even though she has every right to live her life and do what is best for her, she’s worried the public will perceive her as abandoning Eamonn in his time of need as he struggles with his health.”
The Standard has contacted Ruth Langsford’s rep for comment.
The report comes after Holmes claimed he’s on “borrowed time” as he made his first solo public appearance following their split.
Attending the TRIC Awards on Tuesday afternoon, the presenter said that his health has been deteriorating and he nearly skipped the event due to severe back pain.
The broadcaster revealed he used a high-tech wheelchair and walker to attend the ceremony, where he accepted the News award on behalf of GB News Breakfast.
“I wasn’t going to come, but I’ve got this new chair with all these gadgets,” he told The Mirror.
“I had an operation a year and a half ago, and two things went wrong so I have two things in my back I don’t want. So I’ll happily accept this.”
Holmes has been grappling with ongoing health issues, recently seen using a walking frame and crutches in London.
His chronic pain began after he slipped three discs in 2021, resulting in a significant loss of mobility. The following year, he underwent spinal surgery, which kept him off the air for nearly four months during his recovery.
At the awards, which were held at The Grosvenor House Hotel, the former This Morning presenter also addressed the recent news of his divorce from Langsford, expressing his hope that they could remain friends.
He shared: “I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all. It’s too early to say but I hope we can still be friends.”
Holmes and Langsford only announced their split last month, their marriage is said to have been over for some time.
Langsford sent ripples through the showbiz world when she announced that she and Holmes were planning to divorce after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together.
Issuing a joint statement, a spokesperson for the former couple - who share one grown-up son - said: "Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing."
