Ruth Langsford has stepped up to defend her former husband, Eamonn Holmes, in a surprising moment that may catch fans off guard following their high-profile separation.

The television duo, who were once among the most recognized couples in British broadcasting,

announced in May last year that they had parted ways after 14 years of marriage. 

At the time, it was reported that they were in the midst of divorce proceedings and were committed to maintaining an amicable relationship.

Meanwhile, Eamonn has since moved on with a new romance.

During Monday’s episode of Loose Women, the conversation turned to Holly Willoughby’s appearance on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, 

where she experienced an emotional reunion with Fredette, the midwife who delivered her daughter 13 years ago.

Myleene Klass, a panelist on the show, became visibly emotional as she recalled her deep connection with her own midwife, Pippa Nightingale. Pippa had supported her through childbirth following four miscarriages, highlighting the significant role midwives play in women’s lives.

Ruth, reflecting on her own experience, shared a touching memory of her midwife, Maria, who assisted in the birth of her son Jack in 2002. She revealed that Maria had remained a part of their lives for years, attending Jack’s birthday parties, and had sadly passed away.

“I remember my midwife Maria, who sadly passed, but we remained friends. She came to Jack’s birthday parties when he was young,” Ruth, 64, recalled. “When Holly said [Fredette] told her, ‘We’re going to breathe this baby out,’ I remembered feeling like Maria and I birthed Jack.”

At this point, she acknowledged Eamonn’s presence at the birth, saying, “I mean, Eamonn was there, and he did what he could.” The comment prompted laughter from Myleene and some audience members, but Ruth quickly interjected to defend her ex-husband.

“No, no, he did. He did,” she asserted, turning to her fellow panelists. She then clarified that while Eamonn had been involved, it was her midwife’s guidance that she leaned on most during the process. “At that moment, I was relying on her. You know when you have your eyes closed? I could hear her talking.”

As Myleene emphasized the level of trust between mothers and midwives, Ruth fondly recalled focusing on Maria’s voice to get through labor.

Despite their separation, Ruth has shown no animosity towards Eamonn in public. In a recent interview with Woman & Home, she opened up about adjusting to life post-breakup and embracing her independence after what she described as a “painful” split.

“Relationship breakdowns are very difficult—marriage, friendship, whatever it is—but you just deal with it and you have to move on,” she shared. “You can either let yourself crumble or you pick yourself up and get on with life. It’s a choice.”

Ruth and Eamonn’s love story began in 1996, and after 14 years together, they tied the knot in 2010. However, their relationship eventually came to an end, marking the conclusion of one of television’s most enduring partnerships.

Since their split, Eamonn has been seen with his new partner, Katie Alexander, 42, with whom he has enjoyed several outings, including a Mediterranean cruise last year.

While their marriage may have ended, Ruth’s willingness to defend Eamonn on national television suggests that there is still mutual respect between them, even as they navigate separate paths in life.

Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30 pm on ITV.

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