Exclusive: Ruth Langsford says ‘never say never’ to a new relationship as she admits she hasn’t been ‘put off’ marriage
Ruth Langsford has opened up on the prospect of moving on in a new relationship following her split from husband Eamonn Holmes after 14 years of marriage, during an exclusive chat with woman&home.
After 27 years together, Ruth and Eamonn confirmed their separation in May 2024 – a time that Ruth admits was a dark and scary one for her. But over a year on, she says she sees light and excitement in the future.
“Before, I saw darkness and was thinking, “Oh my God, what’s going to happen?” but now the fear [has] gone,” she tells us, adding, “Because what do you do? Do you crumble? Do you lay down and die? Oh no, not I. I will survive.”
Best picks for you
(Image credit: David Venni)
Shop Ruth’s velvet outfit
Exact match
Nadine Merabi
Beatrice Red Blazer
This sumptuous red velvet blazer looks as beautiful paired with the matching trousers as it would with black or navy. It’s gorgeous for the festive season but can absolutely be worn again for other special occasions.
Exact match
Nadine Merabi
Beatrice Red Trousers
Our stylist Rachel Fanconi picked these matching red velvet trousers with concealed zip for Ruth’s woman&home photo shoot. The cranberry red velvet is so luxurious, you’ll feel wrapped in softness in these.
Exact match
Sosandar
Ruby Red Sequin Top
This flattering sequin cami is another versatile piece that can work hard in party outfits from wearing under blazers like Ruth’s to pairing with jeans or skirts. It’s on sale at the moment, with sizes selling fast.
Shop More Festive Velvet
LuvForever Fashion
Evara Red Velvet Suit
This cranberry-red velvet suit comes as a set and is currently included in the Debenhams sale. The blazer is double-breasted with covered buttons and smart, contrasting lapels and the trousers are straight-leg and high-waisted.
Phase Eight
Marta Burgundy Velvet Jumpsuit
This jumpsuit makes a gorgeous alternative to a full suit and would look amazing with metallic accessories as a Christmas party outfit. It’s a darker shade of red than Ruth’s co-ord, though still very festive, and it comes in regular and petite lengths.
Ghost London
Ivy Velvet V Neck Midi Dress
Made from soft velvet jersey, the Ghost Ivy dress features a subtle frilled collar and cuffs, covered buttons at the front and a simple v-neckline. It comes in several different shades, but the poppy red is stunning for the festive season.
And after celebrating her 65th birthday in March, Ruth has found a new lease of life following her split, embracing her career, therapy, and fitness. She also hasn’t written off the idea of finding romance again.
Despite her newfound confidence and independence, Ruth has a “never say never” attitude to finding love.
“I haven’t been put off having a relationship. I haven’t even been put off marriage, but I’m definitely not actively looking, and part of that is because I’ve realised I’m actually quite good on my own,” she says.
“I am independent and quite strong. It has taken me a bit of time [to realise that] and I don’t know what lies ahead, but that chapter now feels quite exciting. It’s not as scary as I thought.”
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(Image credit: David Venni)
Counselling and talking things through has been immeasurably helpful for Ruth throughout the separation – and she is still having sessions now.
“I started counselling when Eamonn and I separated, and I’m still having it. It is very powerful and very useful. It gives me tools to deal with things,” she explains.
“My counsellor has probably seen us on TV, but she doesn’t know either of us so doesn’t get involved and doesn’t judge. She just listens and says, ‘Have you thought about this?’ or ‘Why did you feel like that?’ I think I know myself very well, so it has just been calming.”
Ruth’s red tartan Holland Cooper Chiltern cape is sadly out of stock currently, but other fabrics such as the heritage trend-led tawny version are still available
(Image credit: David Venni)
Ruth adds, “It makes me question how I’m feeling. When my sister died, friends suggested counselling and I said, ‘I don’t [want] just [for someone] to tell me that I’m really sad,’ and I still feel like that. The end of a very long relationship takes a lot of unravelling. Counselling helps you move on from it, to not be held back.”
Ruth’s bonds with her TV colleagues have supported her through her toughest times, too and she credits her Loose Women co-hosts for holding her up following the loss of her sister Julia, who died in 2019.
She says, “Everyone’s very different but, for me, there’s only so much crying you can do, and no amount was bringing her back. My sister wouldn’t have wanted me to be off work, crying all the time. Going back to Loose Women, I felt very, very supported by all, including our producers, our editor. Everybody’s had loss.”
You can read Ruth’s full interview in the January 2026 issue of woma&home, on shelves from December 4th 2025.
woman&home Christmas Live
21 November 2026, London
Ruth joined us at woman&home Christmas live last weekend, where she shared her secrets with our readers. Book your tickets for Christmas live 2026 before midnight on 29 December 2025 to save on the cost of your ticket and free goodie bag.
