When Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes announced last May that they were divorcing after 27 years together and 14 years of marriage, many fans of the daytime TV hosts were shocked. But sources reveal that friends of the couple were less surprised, as they had actually separated in 2022 – two years prior to the revelation.

‘People knew Eamonn and Ruth were cohabitating, and their marriage was over a long time before it hit the headlines,’ an insider says. ‘It got to the point of no return. Their marriage had become a business arrangement that neither of them wanted to officially move towards divorce.
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‘They shared their home and stayed together for an easier life. They were quite happy living their separate lives, but they were flip flopping in a dead marriage, it didn’t just happen overnight.’
ruth langsford smiles wearing a red top
Ruth appears on Loose Women ©Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Our source adds that while Eamonn and Ruth, both 65 – who share son Jack, 23 – ‘considered marriage counselling’ to save their relationship, in the end they decided that they were past the point of reconciliation.

But they did still have respect for one another, hence why they decided to keep their split under wraps for so long.

‘You don’t just call it a day after 14 years,’ the source continues.

‘They first and foremost wanted to be civil and respectful. Divorce is a tough process – even when it is on good terms.’
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But Eamonn then moved on with new girlfriend Katie Alexander, 43. And while it was previously reported that Katie and Eamonn – who have been enjoying lavish holidays together and were seen looking loved-up at a showbiz bash last week – had hit a rocky patch, our insider claims the pair are only ‘growing stronger’.

The source explains, ‘Yes, the honeymoon period is over, but despite views that it wouldn’t last, they are in a totally normal relationship.’