RUTH Langsford revealed a sense of “deja vu” over her festive traditions as she marked her first Christmas following her split with husband Eamonn Holmes.
The Loose Women anchor, 64, took to her Instagram page to let slip the similarities in her festive traditions in a candid video filmed in her open-plan kitchen.
Earlier this month, The Sun was first to report how Ruth and Eamonn, 65, were pushing for a “quickie divorce.”
The pair’s terms for their split came to light following their shock break-up in May.
In her new video, Ruth was seen donning a grey jumper emblazoned with a star motif as she told how her traditions and preparation had not changed despite their marriage coming to an end.
She told the camera: “This feels like deja vu because last Christmas Eve I was standing in the kitchen like this, with a roller in my hair, talking about last minute things and how come I’m never organised and have everything done.
“Like people that are going to carol services tonight and pantos and everything’s done.
“And I haven’t got everything done.”
The ITV stalwart then wrote in her caption: “Christmas Eve in the kitchen again!! Roller in the fringe trying to get everything finished! Happy Christmas everyone!”
She previously told how she was keeping up the family tradition of laying the table for the Christmas Day lunch the night before.
Yet one major difference for the parent of one is that her mum Joan is in hospital for the festive period.
She recently gave a health update on her elderly parent – who suffered a fall and broke her pelvis before Christmas – before sharing an image of the pensioner’s bruised face.
Yet the pair did manage to enjoy Christmas cake and crosswords on Ruth’s Boxing Day visit.
In the video, Ruth added: “My mum is in hospital to be fair so I’ve been doing a lot of hospital visiting but that’s no excuse, because I’ve had all year to prep.”
Meanwhile, fans were quick to respond to her festive “deja vu” with one writing: “So glad you said that Ruth I’m exactly the same. Wish your Mum well. Merry Christmas.”
Another wrote: “You are so fab Ruth … an inspiration.”
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 conjugal,” 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 debuted 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 a 27-year relationship.
September 2024 – Eamonn was spotted on a luxury holiday in Barcelona with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander. Ruth calls in a ‘fierce’ divorce lawyer.
A third posted: “Hope your mum is home soon, and a merry Christmas to you and Jack and all the best for 2025.”
One added: “Thank you for being so real. Your table looks great. Happy Christmas. Have a lovely time. x. Also, I wish your Mum well. x”
The Sun understands Ruth is keen to stay in the couple’s £3.5million Surrey mansion – where she filmed her video – a part of her divorce settlement.
A source told us: “The aim is for Eamonn and Ruth to resolve their divorce as quickly as possible in the New Year.
“Ruth is keen to stay in their marital home as it is where she is settled.
“Eamonn on the other hand wants to get out and make a fresh start.
“They aren’t dragging their heels and want this settled and done as quickly as possible.”
It comes amid speculation Eamonn is ready to start fresh with his girlfriend Katie Alexander.
The Sun On Sunday previously revealed the former This Morning anchor was keen to get engaged to Katie.
He then made a cryptic post about his first Christmas without Ruth in 14 years.
Yet, showing his commitment to his new love, The Sun revealed he drove four hours to make sure he shared a special first Christmas with marriage counsellor.
