Eamonn Holmes Sends Christmas Goodwill to Ruth as He Battles for His Health and Hopes to Walk Again
Eamonn Holmes has extended a gentle Christmas message to his ex-wife Ruth Langsford — saying simply that she deserves “the very best” — as the former couple continue to navigate life after their high-profile split.
The veteran broadcaster, now 66, offered the olive branch during a festive lunch for the broadcasting industry’s TRIC Awards, which he attended alongside his girlfriend Katie Alexander, 44.
“I wish Ruth all the best,” Eamonn said quietly. “She deserves it.”
The moment comes as Ruth, 65, recently revealed she has been undergoing therapy to help her rebuild after the breakdown of their 27-year marriage. She is also preparing to release her first book, Feeling Fabulous, next year — a project many see as symbolic of her fresh start.
A Christmas Apart — and Different Paths Forward
Eamonn confirmed that he will be spending Christmas this year with Katie, marking another milestone in their new chapter together.
“I’ll be with Katie at Christmas,” he shared. “I’ve never spent Christmas outside the UK before — but maybe one year I will.”
The couple went public shortly after Eamonn and Ruth announced their separation last year, following nearly three decades together and the raising of their son, Jack.
“My Dream Is to Walk Again”
Behind the festive words lies a much bigger personal battle for Eamonn — his ongoing fight to regain mobility.
Since undergoing spinal surgery in 2022, the Belfast-born presenter has relied on a walking frame and crutches due to recurring back problems. Now, he is placing his hopes in a revolutionary stem cell treatment that he believes could help him walk again.
“My dream next year,” he said, “is to be able to go to the park and walk with my frame and my crutches. Then, maybe to get some movement back in my legs — even if I need a small chair to rest.”
He revealed he was recently tested for eligibility for the treatment, which involves pig-derived stem cells being inserted into the lower spine, with the aim of repairing damaged areas affecting the hips and legs.
“The idea is to repair what’s dying,” he explained honestly.
Eamonn also spoke openly about the emotional toll of his condition:
“Health takes over everything — getting up for work, getting dressed, getting through the day. The hardest part is always having to ask for help. I try my best to stay independent, but it’s tough.”
“I Don’t Know Why I Haven’t Buckled”
Despite the physical challenges, Eamonn says his mental strength has carried him through.
“I often ask myself, ‘Why haven’t I buckled?’ I think I must have very strong mental health,” he admitted.
“I have low days like anyone else — but in general, I stay focused. I hear about young people who can’t face school with anxiety, and I feel incredibly grateful that I’ve never had that kind of dread.”
Still Working, Still Fighting
After decades on ITV and Sky News, Eamonn has continued his broadcasting career with GB News, where he has hosted the breakfast show since 2022 — and he has no plans to step away despite his health struggles.
“I love what I do. I need to work,” he said candidly. “I’ve got bills to pay. This month, GB News had its highest-ever breakfast ratings and became the top news channel in the country.”
Retirement, he insists, is not on his mind.
“I don’t retire — others retire you. The only thing that could stop me is my physical health. I’d still present news, documentaries, sport, entertainment… I just want to keep going.”
A Boost From the Stage
Earlier this year, Eamonn took his This Is My Life stage show on tour across Northern Ireland — and the response lifted his spirits in ways he didn’t expect.
“Being on stage in my electric wheelchair gave me a massive mental and physical boost,” he said.
“I talked about my life, my upbringing, my influences. And people were more interested in what happens off camera than on it.”
He added that he may take the show to England next.
“I’m grateful to the people who have stuck by me,” he said. “It means more than they’ll ever know.”
Divorce Still Unfinished — But Both Want to Move On
A close friend of both Eamonn and Ruth revealed that the pair are hoping to finalise their divorce next year, though finances — particularly their shared home where Ruth currently lives — remain unresolved.
“Both of them want to move on,” the friend said. “The sticking point is the house.”
The same source added that Eamonn has previously expressed a wish to marry Katie once the divorce is complete, and is deeply committed to the relationship.
Ruth: “Counselling Saved Me”
Ruth has also spoken openly about the dark period she experienced after their separation, revealing that counselling helped her rediscover her independence and confidence.
“The end of a very long relationship takes a lot of unravelling,” she said.
“Counselling gives you tools to handle it and not be trapped by it.”
Now single, Ruth admits she’s not actively searching for new love — but she hasn’t ruled it out either.
“I haven’t been put off relationships. I haven’t even been put off marriage,” she said.
“But right now, I’ve realised something important — I’m actually quite good on my own. I’m stronger than I thought.”
As she looks ahead, Ruth added quietly:
“This new chapter doesn’t scare me anymore. It actually feels quite exciting.”