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.

The couple announced their split in a joint statement back in May.

In the weeks since, Eamonn 64, has reportedly been growing close to a female friend, counsellor Katie Alexander, 42, while Ruth has kept a low profile.

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

While the thought of sharing her heart with someone other than Eamonn might understandably “scare” her.

Sources have said the mum of one is now starting to see the world of dating in a whole new light.

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

“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.

“It’s scary enough as a normal person to use the online dating space, so it will be further complicated being a celebrity. It really depends on what Ruth is looking for, or how she feels, but she will always have to be more cautious because of her celebrity status, so there needs to be security measures in place for her.”

Whatever way Ruth decides to approach life as a single lady, we hope she finds her happiness.