After the pair announced their split back in May, rumours have been swirling about the pair’s new love interests

With yet more rumours swirling around the “love life” of her ex Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford is no doubt wondering what next after the collapse of her 14 year marriage.

Since announcing their split in May, the couple, with Eamonn aged 64, has reportedly grown closer to counselor Katie Alexander, 42, while Ruth has maintained a low profile.

Now that their marriage is officially over, Loose Women panellist Ruth, 64, could be considering dating again.

While the idea of opening her heart to someone other than Eamonn understandably “scares” her, sources say the mother of one is beginning to view the dating world in a new light.

“At first, she had no desire to start dating again – but she’s beginning to change her mind,” a source said.

“She hasn’t dated in so long, so has no idea where to start but lots of her friends are ready to help her. They’ve suggested dating apps but she’s not keen on that and would prefer to be set up on a date. It’s very scary for her – but she’s allowed to have fun again and live her life.”

That’s not to say that the veteran TV star should rush into anything. Indeed, according to relationship expert Tina Wilson, there is no “perfect time” for Ruth to meet someone new – and she needs to make sure she’s really ready first.

“Getting through a break-up is emotionally exhausting and doing so in the public eye will make everything harder,” she said. “But like anything, time is a great healer and as the dust settles and life continues, it’s natural that Ruth will consider wanting to meet someone again.”

“But stepping back into the dating world will be scary for her, firstly because she’s been used to Eamonn for so long, and secondly the dating world, and how people meet has changed dramatically since she was last single. She needs to feel open to the possibility of meeting someone, as if she’s completely closed off, it’s just not the right time and she may need time to heal.”

“While it would be wonderful to meet a new perfect person straight away, it’s key for Ruth to get comfortable with her new status, celebrate her time with loved ones and friends and family and gather her confidence, and then step out ready to meet someone.”

Tina, who founded the Wingman dating app to get friends involved in the matchmaking process, says it’s important that both Ruth and Eamonn show “a level of respect” to the other, especially as they share a child – their grown-up son Jack, now 22. Eamonn also has three older children from his first marriage.

Neither of them have spoken publicly about their split in any great detail, and their official statement confirming the news was noticeably short and to the point, stating, “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”

While the couple have likely had much longer to privately process the thought of ending their union as “no-one knows what goes on behind closed doors”, Tina said the idea of moving on can be scary, and Ruth might find it easier relying on her friends to set her up rather than dating a total stranger.

“It’s always more comfortable to meet someone via a trusted friend, as they can vouch for the person they are introducing, and know the person’s history and character. It makes life far easier to start from a position of trust vs a total stranger.”

After being married to Eamonn to such a long time, the world of online dating sites and apps could be “terrifying” for Ruth, Tina said, but she’ll likely be “a little curious” There’s also the fact she’s such a well-known face, which, Tina explained, means Ruth will likely need to be extra cautious about dating apps.