Ruth Langsford is said to be battling ‘agonising guilt’ as she fears the public will think she has ‘abandoned’ her estranged husband Eamonn Holmes in his time of need as he continues to battle chronic pain

Ruth Langsford, the Loose Women star, is reportedly grappling with “agonising guilt” in light of her estranged husband’s ongoing health struggles. It’s said that she’s worried about appearing as if she’s “abandoned” her ex, Eamonn Holmes, who has been battling chronic pain and now relies on a wheelchair and walking frame.

Claims have emerged that Ruth is torn between assisting her former partner and embarking on a new chapter in her life. A source revealed to Bella magazine that Ruth feels “terribly guilty” and seeing recent photos of a “frail has been torture for her” Eamonn has been incredibly difficult for her.

The source added: “Even though she has every right to live her life and do what is right for her – she’s convinced the public will see her as abandoning Eamonn in his time of need as he struggles with his health.”

Eamonn Holmes attends The TRIC Awards 2024 at The Grosvenor House Hotel using a walker(Image: Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Ruth has split from her husband

Friends of Ruth, described as a “sensitive soul”, have reportedly urged her not to be too hard on herself as she adjusts to her “new normal”. This comes after Eamonn expressed his hopes for their relationship in the future. Speaking to the Mirror, he acknowledged being on “borrowed time” while discussing his health issues.

“I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all,” he confessed to the publication before making an emotional appeal to his estranged wife. Reflecting on their 14-year marriage, he said: “It’s too early to say but I hope we can still be friends.”

The pair are TV veterans(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

In 2016, Eamonn Holmes underwent a gruelling three-and-a-quarter-hour double-hip replacement operation after enduring acute pain for many years, reports the Express.

Eamonn opened up about his shingles battle in 2018, revealing he was hit with the virus on his son Declan’s wedding day. During a stint on Loose Women in September 2021, he discussed his health struggle that left him unable to present This Morning three years prior. His ordeal with chronic back pain began unexpectedly in spring 2021.

He later found out it was due to three slipped discs affecting his right leg’s movement, forcing him to use a walking stick. The following year, he had to take a break from his GB news show to undergo crucial back surgery to alleviate his chronic back pain. Just weeks later, Eamonn suffered a shoulder injury after tumbling down the stairs at his Surrey home.