Eamonn and Ruth split after 14 years

FORMER This Morning husband and wife presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford yesterday announced they have split up after nearly 14 years of marriage.

- Tony Whitfield

The TV golden couple, both 64, and much loved by viewers, had been together for 13 years before tying the knot but have now started divorce proceedings.

A spokesman for the couple said: "Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.

The couple have one son, Jack, 22.

A source said that Eamonn and Ruth are "determined to stay friends and keep things amicable" but their careers had taken them in "different directions" and "it's a very sorry tale".

They first met in 1997 when they were introduced by mutual friend, television presenter Sally Meen. They initially kept their relationship under wraps, out of respect for Eamonn's first wife, Gabrielle Holmes, with whom he has three children.

Eamonn and Gabrielle had married in 1985 but separated in the mid-90s, with the divorce not finalised until 2005.

Ruth and Eamonn married in a lavish ceremony at the grand 19th-century Hampshire hotel, The Elvetham, on June 26, 2010.