Ruth Langsford fears for son after Eamonn Holmes split throws family curveball

Ruth and Eamonn on the This Morning sofa (Image: ITV)

Ruth Langsford is bravely navigating a new path following the shock announcement of her departure from Eamonn Holmes in May, after 14 blissful years together. The cherished Loose Women star is embracing life on her own terms since it's understood that Eamonn vacated their shared Surrey abode prior to the news of their split hitting the headlines.

With Jack, their 22 year old son, Ruth confronts a hurdle faced by numerous mothers after divorce collaboratively raising a child with her ex-partner, Eamonn, a prominent figure at GB News based in Belfast. The pair are dedicated to making pivotal choices that will shield Jack, particularly concerning how they'll spend Christmas as a newly blended family unit, throwing a spanner in the works.

In a poignant revelation during an interview, Ruth disclosed that her utmost concern is "happiness".

"Happiness for my son, Jack", expressing boundless love and admiration for "the most delightful, caring and wonderful young man," she confessed: "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."

Amidst the sweeping changes of recent months, Ruth, now 62, has entered a contemplative period as she frets over Jack possibly facing the same emotional turmoil she has endured.

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes attend the TRIC Awards in 2022 (Image: GETTY)

An insider divulged to OK!, rhat ensuring Jack's happiness is presently her principal preoccupation.

"Ruth has been keeping her head down since she and Eamonn split, and her main focus is always on Jack," conveyed the source.

"She just wants to protect him and put his happiness first as they navigate this next chapter."

They continued: "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."

Ruth, Eamonn and son Jack on his 21st with a balloon behind them (Image: Instagram/ruthlangsford)

Eamonn Holmes pictured with his son Jack at an awards event (Image: BBC)

As the festive season draws near, a period typically filled with joy and family unity, it can also bring a sense of melancholy depending on one's personal situation.

Ruth's first Christmas as a single woman will undoubtedly be a difficult one, marked by "firsts" she's never had to face before.

Eamonn is said to be residing with his girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, a relationship counsellor, and was spotted holidaying with her in Barcelona. He may choose to spend the holiday season with his new partner.

Ruth has previously celebrated Christmas without Eamonn, as he often travelled back to Northern Ireland to visit family, and stated 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."

However, this is a very different kind of separation - and our insider insists that she's not looking forward to it, and is understandably anxious about how to navigate what is unexplored territory for her.

They said: "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".

Furthermore, their son Jack is now an adult and may choose to spend Christmas away from both parents, which is another concern for Ruth.

"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."

The insider 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."

The much-loved presenter has always had a soft spot for the holiday season, with her late father being a significant influence on her passion for presents, decorations, and festive music.