Inside Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford's love story as pair announce divorce: Spats, secrecy and a very unconventional proposal
They were the UK's most loved TV couple.
But after capturing the hearts of nation when they sat side-by-side on This Morning's sofa for over ten years, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have decided to call the curtain on their relationship.
Their romance has sparked concern in recent weeks as Ruth admitted that the last two years have been hard on her relationship after Eamonn suffered from complex health issues.
And while they have strongly supported one another through every qualm, disagreement and ailment, they have now decided it was time to let the sun set on their whirlwind romance.
After announcing they have parted ways after 14 years of marriage, MailOnline takes a look back at Eamonn and Ruth's courtship.
![They were the UK's most loved TV couple. But after capturing the hearts of nation when they sat side-by-side on This Morning's sofa for over ten years, Eamonn Holmes, 64, and Ruth Langsford, 64, have now decided to call the curtain on their iconic love story](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/13/85328103-13458871-image-a-18_1716640631880.jpg)
They were the UK's most loved TV couple. But after capturing the hearts of nation when they sat side-by-side on This Morning's sofa for over ten years, Eamonn Holmes, 64, and Ruth Langsford, 64, have now decided to call the curtain on their iconic love story
![After announcing they have parted ways after 14 years of marriage, MailOnline takes a look back at Eamonn and Ruth's legendary courtship (pictured 2007)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327129-13458871-image-m-4_1716635813100.jpg)
After announcing they have parted ways after 14 years of marriage, MailOnline takes a look back at Eamonn and Ruth's legendary courtship (pictured 2007)
Eamonn and Ruth, now both 64, first met in 1997 when he was presenting breakfast show GMTV.
A mutual friend and fellow TV star, Sally Meen, 58, introduced them.
Two years earlier, Eamonn had split from his first wife, Gabrielle Holmes, who is the mother of his three eldest children, Declan, 35, Rebecca, 33, and Niall, 31.
They decided to call it quits on their commitment as the pressure of commuting to London to present GMTV from their home in Belfast took its toll.
And despite Ruth and Eamonn feeling an instant connection, he ensured it was the nation's best-kept secret, as he did not publicly confess his love for Ruth for two years.
Eamonn even refused to hold her hand in public or attend events together for the first few years of their relationship in a bid to stay respectful to his ex of nearly 20 years.
And while some at the time believed the secrecy to be unnecessary, Ruth only fell harder for her man.
She admitted to The Daily Mail in 2017: 'I thought it spoke volumes about the sort of man he was, the sort of father he was and the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less.'
![Eamonn and Ruth, now both 64, first met in 1997 when he was presenting breakfast show GMTV. A mutual friend and fellow TV star, Sally Meen, 58, introduced them (Eamonn in 1994)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327037-13458871-Eamonn_and_Ruth_now_both_64_first_met_in_1997_when_he_was_presen-m-6_1716636070480.jpg)
Eamonn and Ruth, now both 64, first met in 1997 when he was presenting breakfast show GMTV. A mutual friend and fellow TV star, Sally Meen, 58, introduced them (Eamonn in 1994)
![Two years earlier, Eamonn had split from his first wife, Gabrielle Holmes, who is the mother of his three eldest children, Declan, 35, Rebecca, 33, and Niall, 31 (pictured in 1993 with Niall)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327023-13458871-image-a-7_1716636093892.jpg)
Two years earlier, Eamonn had split from his first wife, Gabrielle Holmes, who is the mother of his three eldest children, Declan, 35, Rebecca, 33, and Niall, 31 (pictured in 1993 with Niall)
![And despite Ruth and Eamonn feeling an instant connection, he ensured it was the nation's best-kept secret, as he did not publicly confess his love for Ruth for two years](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327041-13458871-image-m-9_1716636233598.jpg)
And despite Ruth and Eamonn feeling an instant connection, he ensured it was the nation's best-kept secret, as he did not publicly confess his love for Ruth for two years
But after just a year of having their relationship out in the open, they welcomed their son Jack in 2002.
It wasn't until 2005 that Eamonn officially divorced Gabrielle.
Then in 2006, the TV couple soon became the nation's sweethearts as they began co-hosting ITV's This Morning.
And after Eamonn spotted a couple of gentlemen flirting with Ruth at Cheltenham Races, he made an impromptu proposal.
Eamon had already respectfully asked Ruth's mother for her hand in marriage because her father was in the late stages of Alzheimer's.
So he composed a love letter on his phone and dragged her out of the race box and popped the question.
She told the Loose Women panel in 2018: 'We were at the races in a box with some people and I'd had a few drinks and had won a bit on the horses and was having a lovely time.
'Eamonn had gone out to the loo and when he came back, there were men in the box with us flirting and chatting to me, and he said: 'I don't like that them flirting with my wife.'
'And then he went: 'Actually, she's not my wife. She should be my wife.' We had been together 14 years by then. 'Why is she not my wife? Why haven't I done this?''
After dragging her away from her sea of admirers, the couple were on their way home when Eamonn repeatedly asked Ruth if her phone had a notification.
Ruth thought nothing of it, but after Eamonn's consistent questioning, she reluctantly checked her mobile.
At first, she believed he had shared a 'saucy message', but it was actually a sweet and meaningful declaration of his love about how much he loved her and adored her.
She confessed to the panel: 'I opened it and then there was this beautiful letter. Right at the end it said: 'Will you marry me?'
'Because we didn't know this driver I text him back saying: 'Yes please.' Then we sat holding hands all the way home and it was really romantic.'
She revealed that when they broke the joyous news to their then-young son Jack, he asked: 'Will there be kissing?'.
In 2010, the iconic duo wedded in a not-so-secret glitzy ceremony at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire.
Soon after they put down roots in the town of Weybridge, Surrey - the couple often enjoy hosting in their lavish six-bedroom property, which is said to be worth a whopping £3.2 million.
Ruth later discussed their strong bond and natural connection while she was taking part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, Ruth said: 'Eamonn will be the first to take the mick out of me, but he will also be the first to floor me with his thoughtfulness.'
She added: 'I'm giving him zero attention, but I know he won't be thinking that. He just gets it. He gets me. That's why we work.'
Eamonn and Ruth have always been honest about the state of their relationship and they have continually confessed over the years that they do have a few spats.
Some of which were shared to the homes across the county as they have had to work through some disagreements while presenting their show.
But despite the pair having their fair share of arguments, they admitted that they were usually over something unimportant, such as presents. One year she was gifted some bacon.
'I would say laughter is what keeps us together. Eamon's very good actually. We have a very equal relationship, it's very equal in our marriage,' Ruth said in 2020.
'People will say, 'who wears the trousers?' well nobody. You find your way, he's not the boss and I'm not the boss – in modern relationships that's probably how it should be.'
Even when they argue at work, Ruth always confessed that Eamonn loves her dearly, is a constant support network for her and loves her body just as much as her strong personality and loving heart.
![But after just a year of having their relationship out in the open, they welcomed their son Jack in 2002. It wasn't until 2005 that Eamonn officially divorced Gabrielle (picture in 2002 with Jack)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327043-13458871-But_after_just_a_year_of_having_their_relationship_out_in_the_op-a-6_1716637135652.jpg)
But after just a year of having their relationship out in the open, they welcomed their son Jack in 2002. It wasn't until 2005 that Eamonn officially divorced Gabrielle (picture in 2002 with Jack)
![Then in 2006, the TV couple soon became the nation's sweethearts as they began co-hosting ITV's This Morning (pictured in 2007)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327047-13458871-image-a-13_1716636358517.jpg)
Then in 2006, the TV couple soon became the nation's sweethearts as they began co-hosting ITV's This Morning (pictured in 2007)
![And after Eamonn spotted a couple of gentlemen flirting with Ruth Cheltenham Races, he made an impromptu proposal. In 2010, the iconic duo wedded in a not-so-secret glitzy ceremony at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire (pictured in 2010)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327079-13458871-And_after_Eamonn_spotted_a_couple_of_gentlemen_flirting_with_Rut-a-7_1716637135660.jpg)
And after Eamonn spotted a couple of gentlemen flirting with Ruth Cheltenham Races, he made an impromptu proposal. In 2010, the iconic duo wedded in a not-so-secret glitzy ceremony at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire (pictured in 2010)
![Soon after they put down roots in the town of Weybridge, Surrey - the couple often enjoy hosting in their lavish six-bedroom property , which is said to be worth a whopping £3.2 million](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/69709403-13458871-Home_The_couple_put_down_roots_in_the_town_of_Weybridge_Surrey_w-a-15_1716636500699.jpg)
Soon after they put down roots in the town of Weybridge, Surrey - the couple often enjoy hosting in their lavish six-bedroom property , which is said to be worth a whopping £3.2 million
![Eamonn and Ruth have always been honest about the state of their relationship and they have continually confessed over the years that they do have a few spats. Some of which were shared to the homes across the county as they have had to work through some disagreements while presenting their show (pictured in 2009)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327075-13458871-Eamonn_and_Ruth_have_always_been_honest_about_the_state_of_their-a-8_1716637135874.jpg)
Eamonn and Ruth have always been honest about the state of their relationship and they have continually confessed over the years that they do have a few spats. Some of which were shared to the homes across the county as they have had to work through some disagreements while presenting their show (pictured in 2009)
'Eamonn is my biggest fan and always makes me feel really sexy,' Ruth previously told the Mirror.
'When I think I'm at my slimmest, he thinks I'm too thin. He likes me curvy – he loves boobs, bottoms and legs. I'm really lucky because it would be awful to have a man who commented on me piling on the pounds.'
Eamonn has previously opened up that he 'led a very sheltered Catholic life' before meeting Ruth and she has kept his mind open to new experiences as they have previously gushed about their very active sex life.
When he had a hip replacement in 2016, he blamed Ruth and their exciting sex life for his operation.
He previously told the Mirror: 'I'm facing a two-week double hip operation, she wore them out, she's got to help wear them in.'
Ruth comically added: 'The doctor says no hanky panky and no strong exercise.'
Their sex life did take a hit earlier in the relationship when Ruth went through menopause.
But she credited Eamonn with keeping their flame alive as she confessed that it is Eamonn's unflagging desire that makes her feel sexy.
'I still feel sexy, but a lot of that is because my husband makes me feel sexy,' she told The Sun's Fabulous magazine.
![But despite the pair having their fair share of arguments, they admit that they are usually over something unimportant, such as presents. One year she was gifted some bacon (pictured in 2007)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327045-13458871-image-m-19_1716636589683.jpg)
But despite the pair having their fair share of arguments, they admit that they are usually over something unimportant, such as presents. One year she was gifted some bacon (pictured in 2007)
![Eamonn has previously opened up that he 'led a very sheltered Catholic life' before meeting Ruth and she has kept his mind open to new experiences as they have previously gushed about their very active sex life (pictured in 2007)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327035-13458871-image-a-21_1716636643101.jpg)
Eamonn has previously opened up that he 'led a very sheltered Catholic life' before meeting Ruth and she has kept his mind open to new experiences as they have previously gushed about their very active sex life (pictured in 2007)
![When he had a hip replacement in 2016, he blamed Ruth and their exciting sex life for his operation. He previously told the Mirror: 'I'm facing a two-week double hip operation, she wore them out, she's got to help wear them in.'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85327131-13458871-When_he_had_a_hip_replacement_in_2016_he_blamed_Ruth_and_their_e-a-23_1716636700241.jpg)
When he had a hip replacement in 2016, he blamed Ruth and their exciting sex life for his operation. He previously told the Mirror: 'I'm facing a two-week double hip operation, she wore them out, she's got to help wear them in.'
![But since, health complications have appeared to be the source of their relationship's strains as Ruth previously opened up about the challenges of her husband's health as she admitted his mobility may never fully improve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/23/00/85225815-13449477-image-m-45_1716419910393.jpg)
But since, health complications have appeared to be the source of their relationship's strains as Ruth previously opened up about the challenges of her husband's health as she admitted his mobility may never fully improve
But since, health complications have appeared to be the source of their relationship's strains as Ruth previously opened up about the challenges of her husband's health as she admitted his mobility may never fully improve.
Eamonn recently revealed that he 'can't walk' after spinal surgery in September last year, following which he suffered a horrific fall.
He underwent a spine and neck stretching procedure in a bid to improve his mobility, however, Ruth confessed that he may never reach a full recovery.
Speaking to Woman & Home magazine in October, Ruth said: 'With any care situation – and there are millions of carers in this country – it isn't always easy, but if something happens to somebody you love, you help them as much as you can. It's testing but we manage as a family.'
The couple's son Jack, now 21, helps out with his dad's health but the Loose Women presenter admitted that the family take it day by day.
Her husband's health complaints have also made Ruth take stock of her own health, but she is determined to not let ageing frighten her.
Sadly, in the last coming days, Ruth admitted that she fears her husband 'might never be 100 per cent right' after undergoing back surgery due to suffering chronic back pain for almost two years.
The presenter and journalist is still recovering from the surgery and an injury to his shoulder, which saw him takes four months off work at the end of last year.
He has ongoing daily physio sessions and either uses a cane or wheelchair to get about, with the support of his wife Ruth.
She confessed she 'lives in hope' that his mobility will improve.
Speaking to Woman's Weekly, Ruth said: 'I don't know how much Eamonn's mobility will improve. We live in hope.
![Eamonn recently revealed that he 'can't walk' after spinal surgery in September last year, following which he suffered a horrific fall. He underwent a spine and neck stretching procedure in a bid to improve his mobility, however, Ruth confessed that he may never reach a full recovery](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/23/00/85225823-13449477-image-a-43_1716419347565.jpg)
Eamonn recently revealed that he 'can't walk' after spinal surgery in September last year, following which he suffered a horrific fall. He underwent a spine and neck stretching procedure in a bid to improve his mobility, however, Ruth confessed that he may never reach a full recovery
'He does the physio, but there might have to be some acceptance that this might never be 100% right. With any care situation - and there are millions of carers in this country - it isn't always easy. It's testing but we manage as a family.'
Eammon has been open with fans in explaining his health woes - the most recent of which was a fall which broke his shoulder.
Speaking to his 764,000 followers on Instagram in January, the host said in a sit-down video: 'Hello there everybody, just to say that after nearly four months away off the telly, I'm back tomorrow.
'Sounds like a threat doesn't it! No, I mean you may or may not be aware of what happened to me, I had back surgery, I've had disc problems.
'I then got some back surgery which affected one of my legs which led to me falling down stairs, which led to me breaking my shoulder.
'So I had a leg that didn't work and a shoulder that didn't work and lots of other things in-between but here I am.
![The presenter and journalist is still recovering from the surgery and an injury to his shoulder, which saw him takes four months off work at the end of last year. He has ongoing daily physio sessions and either uses a cane or wheelchair to get about, with the support of his wife Ruth](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/12/85225719-13458871-image-a-24_1716636859290.jpg)
The presenter and journalist is still recovering from the surgery and an injury to his shoulder, which saw him takes four months off work at the end of last year. He has ongoing daily physio sessions and either uses a cane or wheelchair to get about, with the support of his wife Ruth
'I feel there are only so many box sets that I can watch and recommend to you'
Eamonn said of fracturing his shoulder during the fall: 'It was a massive setback and means I'm going to need to take some extra time off to get myself better.
'It's been a hellish few weeks. But day by day I'm improving and I am remaining positive and trying to look on the bright side.'
Eamonn is also a grandfather after his eldest son Declan welcomed baby girl, Emelia, in 2021 with his wife Jenny.