Janet Street Porter had a hilarious reaction to Ruth Langsford’s big return to the Loose Women panel today.

Ruth was back on the ITV show after a few weeks away from our screens following the breakdown of her marriage to fellow TV presenter Eamonn Holmes. The broadcaster and Eamonn announced their shock divorce in May, with Ruth taking a holiday and a break from Loose Women duties soon after.

But fresh from a holiday with “younger people” in Tenerife, Ruth is back to work. As the newly-single star opened Loose Women this afternoon, her co-star Coleen Nolan chimed in with a heartfelt “Can I just say? I am so happy that you’re back! “, prompting applause from everyone in the studio.

ruth on loose women
Ruth Langsford is back on Loose Women ( 
Image:
ITV)
Janet Street Porter playfully added, “Thank god! ” to which Ruth responded with a smile, acknowledging it was ‘nice to be back’ and promising not to vanish for so long again.

The announcement of the split between TV’s golden couple in May sent shockwaves through the showbiz world. Eamonn and Ruth’s marriage, often described as ‘rock solid’, had been one of the strongest in the industry, making the news of their divorce after 14 years all the more shocking.

The pair, both aged 64, first crossed paths in 1997 via their mutual friend and fellow TV presenter, Sally Meen, and it wasn’t long before they fell head over heels for each other. The revelation two months ago left everyone scrambling for answers. It has since emerged that Ruth allegedly discovered messages between her husband and another woman on a laptop.

Ruth is said to be “hurt” after learning that her husband has been seeking comfort from another woman, with whom he’s been seen out and about on numerous occasions. Katie Alexander, who has been friends with Eamonn for a few years now, has reportedly accompanied him to a safari park, a Manchester United match, and even a Beyonce concert.

The 42 year old relationship counsellor has joined the GB News presenter on several outings over the past year and has been spotted at his residence. Ruth was reportedly largely oblivious to their friendship – and Katie’s pals are quick to emphasise that their bond only deepened once the stars’ marriage had ended.

Eamonn Holmes (L) and Ruth Langsford attend the BBC Children in Need Gala hosted by Gary Barlow at The Grosvenor House Hotel on November 11, 2013 in London,


The former couple announced their spilt to shocked fans in May ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
A pal close to Ruth spilled the beans, revealing: “Ruth was hurt when she learned about Eamonn’s friendship with another woman but she is strong and she will be back soon with a smile on her face, putting her best foot forward, as she always does. She needs a bit of time to regroup after everything that’s gone on, which is understandable, but she plans to return to Loose Women, with renewed vigour, in July.”

Eamonn and Ruth are reportedly eager to finalise their divorce soon, but there is still a mountain of details to iron out behind closed doors. At last month’s TRIC awards, an emotional Eamonn confessed: “I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all.” On the topic of his future relationship with Ruth, he stated: “It’s too early to say but I hope we can still be friends.”

If You Have A Mouse, This Game Will Keep You Awake All Night Long.BASEATTACKFORCE|
SPONSORED LINKS BY TABOOLA

If You Own A Mouse, You Will Never Turn Off Your Computer Again.PANZERRUSH|
SPONSORED LINKS BY TABOOLA

First crossing paths in 1997 through mutual friends, Eamonn and Ruth’s love affair began, leading to over a decade of courtship before Eamonn popped the question. The duo officially became husband and wife in 2010, but had been notably absent from each other’s sides for two years leading up to their split.

In May, they shocked fans by publicly confirming their separation. In a joint statement, the former couple told fans: “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”