October 5th 2023.
Ruth Langsford has opened up about how her husband Eamonn Holmes supported her through the 'hardest year of her life'. Her sister Julia Johnson sadly took her own life in June 2019, just a few years after being diagnosed with depression.
Speaking on Kaye Adams' How to be 60 podcast, Ruth said: "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'."
She 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 went on to praise her husband Eamonn, and their 21-year-old son Jack, for helping her through the tragedy. She said: "Eamonn was amazing during that time and Jack and then work."
The former This Morning host admitted that she still finds it hard to cope when she is reminded of her sister's absence. She said: "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'."
Ruth has spoken in the past about how the tragedy almost caused her to throw in the towel with her career completely. She said: "It seemed wrong to be cheery on screen, when, inside, my heart was breaking."
It was Eamonn who motivated her to get back to work, despite her having 'no desire' to be in the limelight. She said: "Eamonn pointed out that he was, in effect, losing not one, but two of the most precious people in his life – Julia and me."
The star concluded by saying that it is important to not "lock [emotions] away in a box" and to talk about them.
If you are struggling with your mental health and need emotional support, the Samaritans 24-hour helpline can be contacted on 116 123, or you can email
[email protected], 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
[email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.
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