Ruth Langsford has opened up on the tragic loss of her sister and how she “blocked it” from her memory.
The presenter’s sister Julia sadly died by suicide in 2019 at the age of 62, leaving Ruth heartbroken at the loss.
Opening up on her sister’s death, Ruth shared how work had been her saviour and her presenter husband Eamonn Holmes had supported her during her grief.
She also described the year her sister died as the “hardest year” of her life.
Speaking to Kaye Adams on her How To Be 60 podcast, Ruth shared: “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.’
“I needed that, because I could lie and cry all day about my sister. I needed that focus and structure back in my life.”
She also shared how her husband Eamonn and their 21 year old son Jack helped them through.
She said: “Eamonn was amazing during that time and Jack and then work. The hardest year of my life was when my sister died.
“I can’t even tell you what year it is, because I’ve blocked it from my memory really.”
At the time of Julia’s death, Ruth revealed her heartbreak over the death of her “kind and gentle” sister.
She took a break from her This Morning hosting duties as she tweeted: “My lovely Sis Julia has sadly died after a very long illness. My heart is completely broken.
“She was the kindest and most gentle soul and I will miss her forever.
“As I am sure you will appreciate I need to take time to grieve with my family. Thank you for your understanding.”
In August 2019, Ruth temporarily walked off the set of This Morning after a phone-in triggered memories of her late sister.
During a phone-in, a viewer called to discuss their battle with anxiety with This Morning’s medical expert Angela.
As the listener discussed trying to break the cycle of anxiety and depression, Ruth disappeared off air after congratulating them for being brave enough to call in.
As the segment came to an end, Ruth’s husband Eamonn Holmes interrupted as he addressed her absence.
He said: "Obviously this is featured in Ruth's life, she's upset now and had to leave the studio because of her sister who was a chronic depressive.
"No matter what sort of help and medications, they didn't seem to make much difference, there were good times and bad times."
Before the break, Eamonn again added: “These things are very raw for her following the death of her sister."
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
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