Ruth Langsford's fears for son Jack as they face first Christmas after Eamonn Holmes split

Ruth Langsford is facing her first Christmas as a single woman in more than a decade, after her shock split from Eamonn Holmes, and is said to be worried about how to navigate the festive season

Ruth Langsford is charting a new course for herself after the unexpected news of her split from Eamonn Holmes in May, following 14 years of marriage. The Loose Women presenter is adjusting to single life and living solo, as it's believed Eamonn moved out of their Surrey home before their separation was made public.

With their son Jack, now 22, Ruth faces the challenge many mothers do post-divorce – co-parenting with Eamonn, the GB News host from Belfast. They must make crucial decisions to minimise the impact on Jack, including how to handle the upcoming Christmas as a blended family.

Ruth, who is dealing with her own heartbreak and forging ahead, shared in a heartfelt interview that her top priority is "happiness. Happiness for my son, Jack", whom she adores and praises as "the most delightful, caring and wonderful young man." She said: "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."

The dramatic events of recent months seem to have put the 62 year old in a reflective state, worrying about her son experiencing any of the distress she has felt. A source revealed that Jack's wellbeing is now her main concern, reports OK!. "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."

As we approach the festive season, a time of joy and family unity, it can also be bittersweet depending on personal circumstances. Undoubtedly, Ruth's first Christmas as a single woman will be challenging, filled with 'firsts' she's never had to consider before. Eamonn is reportedly living with his girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, a relationship counsellor, and was seen holidaying with her in Barcelona. He might spend the festive period with his new partner.

Ruth has previously spent Christmas without Eamonn, as he often returned to Northern Ireland to visit 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 un-chartered 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". Moreover, their son Jack is now an adult and may choose to spend Christmas away from both parents, which is another worry 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 source 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."

At 64, Ruth, recently spotted with a fabulous new longer hairstyle and enjoying nights in and out with friends like Rylan Clark, is facing her first Yuletide post-split with resilience, surrounded by loved ones. The beloved broadcaster has always been a fan of the festive season, with her late father being a huge influence regarding enthusiasm for gifts, decorations, and holiday tunes. Despite the difficulties faced this past year, Ruth embraces the festive spirit imbued by her father, hoping this period marks a positive new chapter for her.