Ruth Langsford has praised her husband Eamonn Holmes for his support throughout the ‘hardest year of [her] life.’
The ITV performer, 63, was saddened when her sister, Julia Johnson, committed herself at the age of 62 in June 2019.
Johnson had been diagnosed with depression a few years prior and was discovered dead at her Surrey home by her husband Paul.
When asked about the family tragedy, Loose Women panellist Ruth remarked that being focused on her TV career kept her from sobbing all the time.
Appearing on Kaye Adams’ How to be 60 podcast, she said, in quotes obtained by The Mirror: ‘I needed a focus, which was – get up and I would cry in the shower – have a big old bawl – and then I could almost cut it off and go, “Right, come on, time for work, dry your hair, go to work”.’
Ruth continued: ‘I needed that, because I could lie and cry all day about my sister.
‘I needed that focus and structure back in my life.’
Ruth expressed gratitude to her GB News anchor husband and their 21-year-old son, Jack, for their support.
‘Eamonn was amazing during that time and Jack and then work,’ she said.
‘The hardest year of my life was when my sister died.
‘I can’t even tell you what year it is, because I’ve blocked it from my memory really.’
The former This Morning anchor then described how she is constantly reminded of her younger sister’s absence.
‘You reach to get a card, at Christmas, I always used to get my sister a funny card, and then it jolts you, where you think, “Oh, I don’t need to get her a card anymore”,’ she added emotionally.
‘Everybody has their pain. We all end up losing people we love. But it’s important we don’t lock it all away in a box.’
Ruth has already discussed the impact her sister’s suicide had on her.
She earlier claimed to almost giving up on her TV career entirely.
Speaking to Best Magazine in 2020, Ruth said candidly: ‘It seemed wrong to be cheery on screen, when, inside, my heart was breaking.’
Ruth’s husband Eamonn, whom she married in 2010, was the driving force for her return to work, despite her ‘no desire’ to be in the spotlight.
She spent a month ‘screaming and sobbing’, after which Eammon reminded her that she had ‘so much to live for’.
‘Eamonn pointed out that he was, in effect, losing not one, but two of the most precious people in his life – Julia and me,’ she said.
‘He showed me how I had so much to live for in Julia’s memory – and beyond.’
The controversial Irish broadcaster ‘pleaded’ with his wife to not let the loss ‘ruin everything [she] had achieved’.
Ruth used a beautiful photo of herself with her late sister to announce the devastating news of her sister’s death four years ago.
‘My dear Sis Julia has unfortunately died after a very long illness,’ she said in the description. My heart is absolutely shattered.
‘She was the kindest and most gentle soul and I will miss her forever.
‘As I am sure you will appreciate I need to take time to grieve with my family.’
‘Thank you for your understanding,’ she signed off.
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.
