Ruth Langsford defended over new video as Eamonn Holmes' name dragged into drama

Ruth Langsford, 64, was criticised by some people after using a spice packet in her chicken casserole - but many fans defended her as she posted a video of the recipe on Instagram

Ruth Langsford has been staunchly defended by her fans after posting a new video that saw a number of people criticising her as someone even dragged Eamonn Holmes ' name into the drama.

On Friday, the 64-year-old presenter published a clip on Instagram showing how she made a chicken casserole as the weather gets colder. She said the recipe is "so easy" to make and filmed it step-by-step to show her fans how they replicate it.

Ruth explained in the video: "This is so simple to make. So first off, I brown some chicken breast or thighs, put it to one side. Then you add onions, leeks, just give those a little bit of colour. I put carrots in there, and I like lots of carrots in my casserole. Mix those with the onions and leeks.

"Then potatoes, as much as you like. This really helps thicken your sauce as well. Then put the chicken back in, make sure you've kept all those lovely juices. That's why I keep it in a bowl."

She then went on to show a packet of Colman's flavouring for chicken casserole - which was the main source of the drama in the comment section of her Instagram post. Ruth showed the seasoning packet to the camera before adding the mix to some water, mixing it in, and then pouring it into the casserole.

The Loose Women star said the seasoning as "lovely" flavour, and said it's important to mix it properly into the casserole. Ruth said the casserole then needs to be brought to a simmer before putting the lid on and placing it into the oven at 160C for one hour and a half. The presenter then showed the final result.

She wrote in the caption of her post: "First casserole of the season!! Grey, damp day here today….the sort of weather that gets me in the mood for a lovely, warming casserole and this is SO easy to make! Enjoy!"

However, some fans weren't impressed that Ruth used a packet of seasoning, with some saying she should have used fresh spices and herbs instead. A person wrote: "Would not use a packet!!" Another added: "Ruth! That's not cooking!" A third penned: "I don't really understand why you would promote a recipe when you use a packet …sorry doesn’t make any sense."

One more said: "Not cooking." However, other fans defended Ruth while hitting out at those who criticised her. A fan wrote: "The judgement on this post for using a packet. Is ridiculous. Like everyone cooks every single day from scratch or hasn't taken a short cut for something."

Someone else commented: "She works, she has a dog and looks out for her mum … she saved time using a packet. Like most working people do." One more person agreed, saying: "I think the packets have it. I have a selection in my cupboard all ready for winter." And a fourth wrote: "Looks delicious. I often use this Colman's mix too. It's lovely."

A person also brought up the presenter's soon-to-be ex-husband's name, saying: "Enjoy Ruth I'm sure Emmons peed off lol." It comes days after Ruth made a cheeky dig at Eamonn during a discussion about hoarding on Loose Women.

Ruth announced her marriage to the GB News host was over in May, after 14 years. Eamonn has since moved on and is now dating Katie Alexander, who is 22 years younger than him. During a discussion about antiques, Ruth took the opportunity to jokingly poke fun at her split. She told the studio audience: "I'm throwing out a lot of stuff out at the minute!" After her comment, the audience erupted into laughter.

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