EAMONN Holmes is facing fresh heartbreak following his split from Ruth Langsford — the loss of custody of their beloved dog Maggie.
The pooch, 14, which the former This Morning presenters adopted in 2011, is said to be like a “second child” to them, even appearing with the pair on the ITV show.
Ruth shared a video of herself walking Collie cross Maggie on Sunday — her first post since the couple told The Sun their 14-year marriage was over.
Pals said they had been living separate lives for two years and Eamonn, who has faced health struggles of late, had recently moved out.
They said he and Ruth are now having “difficult conversations” over who gets the dog.
The pair, both 64, are trying to avoid calling in lawyers like Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong did when they rowed about their mutt Hurley.
A source said: “Maggie is like a daughter to them. They dote on her. But she’s getting on and they know she needs stability.
“It’s a case of who can give her that. Eamonn adores her and Maggie’s been such a support during his health woes.
“The thought of giving her up is heartbreaking to him.
“But if Ruth is able to get out and about and walk her more, then it may well be that she gets Maggie in the split.
“They are adamant this won’t come to what Ant and Lisa went through and they won’t be getting lawyers involved.”
Eamonn, who has a son, Jack, 22, with Ruth, spoke earlier this year of Maggie’s “unconditional love” and the joy she brings to his life. He said: “I genuinely have never experienced affection like it.”
Friends said he and Ruth drifted apart when they were taken off This Morning in 2021.
Insiders said Ruth wanted a fresh start while admitting Eamonn believed they could salvage something.
Ruth will not appear on Loose Women this week following the news of their divorce.
Eamonn is expected to return to GB News’ Breakfast Show today. Pals do not know if he will address their split on air.
Before the shock split announcement, Ruth and Eamonn seemed like one of the strongest couples on UK TV – even with their signature bickering style. Here's how their romance played out
1997 – The couple first meet after being introduced by mutual friends, two years after Eamonn splits from his first wife, Gabrielle, with whom he has three children.
1997-2002 – To be respectful to Gabrielle, the couple kept their relationship out of the limelight. Ruth told Daily Mail: “I thought it spoke volumes about the sort of man he was, the sort of father he was and the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less.”
2002 – Ruth and Eamonn welcome their son, Jack, to the family
2005 – Eamonn finalises his divorce with Gabrielle
2006 – The pair begin to host Friday episodes of This Morning together
2010 – Eamonn proposes to Ruth while at the Cheltenham Races, after asking Ruth’s mother for her hand
June 2010 – Eamonn and Ruth marry at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire
2016 – Eamonn undergoes a double hip replacement in the first of many health battles.
June 2019 – On This Morning, Ruth and Eamonn say the secret to their happy marriage. Eamonn credits “compromise, consideration and lots of conjugals,” while Ruth said it was “laughter and an equal marriage”
November 2020 – Ruth and Eamonn are replaced on their regular Friday slot by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary in a ‘show shake-up’
December 2021 – After a year of being moved to the bank holiday presenting slot, both Eamonn and Ruth left This Morning
January 2022 – Eamonn makes his debut on GB News, while Ruth stayed with ITV in her long-standing role on Loose Women.
September 2022 – Eamonn undergoes spinal surgery after years of back issues including a trapped sciatic nerve.
November 2022 – Eamonn falls down the stairs of his Surrey home with Ruth and breaks his shoulder, requiring a new operation
September 2023 – Eamonn has a spine and neck stretching procedure as part of his year-long recovery
May 2024 – Ruth and Eamonn announce they have split after 14 years of marriage and 27 year relationship
