'I handled that, I'm still standing and I'm proud'

Loose Women star Ruth Langsford opens up about getting through a “period of darkness” and finding strength

- MARK JEFFERIES

Ruth Langsford says her split from Eamonn Holmes felt impossible to survive at times, and many days would start with her crying in the shower before work.

But the Loose Women star credits friends and therapy for getting her through that agonising period of her life after her relationship of 26 years came publicly to an end in May 2024.

Nearly two years on, the TV star has turned the pain into words of wisdom on life, loss and recovery in her memoir, Feeling Fabulous, which is out now.

Looking back on those testing times, Ruth, 65, tells us, "Some people cope with things better than others. But when you do come through a period of darkness, you feel proud of yourself, and you can look back and think, 'I handled that, I did that. I'm still standing with whatever life has thrown at me, and I'm proud of that.' I think you can do that if you dig deep.

"The book talks about how to be your best self no matter what life throws at you, and I do believe we're all stronger than we think. When I look at the things that have happened again, good or bad, I think about grabbing the good things with both hands, and running with them.

"Don't be afraid. Step forward. Step into the light and you'll surprise yourself. At the time, you never think you will get through it."

Ruth stresses how friends kept her going. She says, "Friendships, particularly female friendships, are so important to me.