Ruth Langsford's fears for son Jack - 'She never wants him to go through the pain she has'
Ruth Langsford has found herself navigating a whole new future which she has admitted she didn’t expect to, after her shock split was announced from Eamonn Holmes, in May after 14 years of marriage. As well as embracing singledom and living alone, Eamonn thought to have moved out of the former couple’s home in Surrey before they announced their split in May, one thing the Loose Women anchor will be considering - like any mother in her position - is how she and Belfast-born GB News presenter Eamonn navigate parenting.
Though the son they share, Jack, is a young man now, at 22, there will be important decisions ahead, such as how they move forward from this life-changing event with the least amount of heartache for Jack, and in the short-term - how they even spend Christmas now, as a blended family. And her only son is clearly on Ruth’s mind.
The star, who is nursing her own broken heart and trying to move on with her life, confessed emotionally in a recent interview, that her greatest wish now is “happiness. Happiness for my son, Jack”, who she gushes over, describing him as "the most delightful, caring and wonderful young man." She explained: “When you have children, you look at them starting out in life and just want everything to be good for them, for them to be happy and to not have their hearts broken. You can't guarantee any of that, but that's what I want most for Jack.”
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You can’t wrap your loved ones up in cotton wool, but it does seem as if the dramatic events of recent months have got the 62 year old in reflective mode - and worried about her boy ever having to go through any of the pain and upset that she has been feeling these past months. And now, a source says that Jack and his wellbeing are her primary focus, at the moment. ‘Ruth has been keeping her head down since she and Eamonn split, and her main focus is always on Jack," they claimed. “She just wants to protect him and put his happiness first as they navigate this next chapter."
They added: “Ruth admitted recently that she never wants Jack’s heart to get broken - this is her way of saying she’s still hurting and never wants her children to go through the pain she has. Happiness is all she’s ever wanted and she’s still hurting.” Of course, we are fast approaching the festive season, a time of joy and togetherness with family - but one which can also be bittersweet, depending on your personal situation - and no doubt, Ruth’s first Christmas as a single woman will be difficult, full of ‘first’s she’s never had to think about before.
Eamonn is thought to be living with his girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, a relationship counsellor, who he has been snapped on holiday with in Barcelona - and he may spend the festive season with his new flame. Ruth has spent the festive season away from Eamonn before - as he would often fly back to see family in Northern Ireland, and said in 2021, ‘Being apart for Christmas has never been a problem. I wouldn’t be going to Belfast this year because I need to be with my mum. It’s about family for me.’
But of course, this is a very different kind of separation - and our source maintains that she’s not looking forward to it, and is understandably worried about how to navigate what is unchartered territory for her. “Ruth is dreading Christmas coming up, because it will be her first one apart from Eamonn - who could be spending it with his new partner”.
In addition, Jack is now an adult himself, and of an age where there is no guarantee that he will spend Christmas with either of his parents - something which our source claims is weighing on Ruth’s mind. “This Christmas means creating different memories. Ruth and Eammon are positively co-parenting Jack, but he’s at the age where he might want to do something different at Christmas, and that’s worrying Ruth."
They added: “He’s no doubt hurting too, seeing his mum and dad go through this. However, Ruth knows people will be looking up to her and feel inspired about how strong she appears on the outside. She knows the first Christmas will always be the hardest, and she just wants to get through it.”
Ruth’s first Christmas as a single woman may be daunting - but the 64 year old, who recently debuted a gorgeous new, longer ‘do’ and has been enjoying fun nights out (and in!) with pals such as Rylan Clark - is clearly putting her best foot forward, surrounded by those who adore her.
The presenter previously admitted that she does love all thing Christmas, an enthusiasm passed on by her late father, who would always go all out on the presents, decorations and Christmas music. So, hopefully she will carry that sense of joy with her, however she spends this Christmas - and after an incredibly tough year, maybe this is the fresh start she needs.
