Eamonn Holmes choked up as he paid tribute to his wife Ruth Langsford’s late sister.
Ruth revealed on Thursday that her older sister Julia, 62, had passed away after a “very long illness”.
Opening Friday’s This Morning, Eamonn explained to viewers that Rylan Clark-Neal would be filling in for Ruth as she takes some time off to grieve.
Read more: Ruth Langsford left heartbroken as sister Julia dies
He said: “Before we get underway let me explain why it is Rylan and myself today. You may be aware of the terrible bereavement Ruth had yesterday.”
He went on to read out Ruth’s Twitter tribute to her sister, before struggling to carry on and Rylan comforted his co-star and read out the rest.
Thanking Rylan, Eamonn said: “No one understands more than our friend and our colleague Rylan, who has been a great comfort to Ruth and a great help by stepping in today for her.”
Rylan said: “We know Ruth is watching and we are sending you all our love, and we love you dearly. And Ruth is going to need time to deal with this. And so are you, for that matter. But I couldn’t not be here.”
Eamonn replied: “Thank you. Rylan was the first person I phoned when we heard this news, and you are a great support to Ruth on all of this.”
It comes after Ruth told her fans on Twitter yesterday that her “heart is completely broken” following Julia’s death.
Ruth told her fans that she needs to “take time to grieve with my family”.
Writing on Twitter on Thursday, Ruth said: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/o6jMtIqMg4
— Ruth Langsford (@RuthieeL) 20 June 2019
Fans offered their condolences.
One person said: “So sorry to hear this Ruth, sending love to you and your family.”
Another wrote: “We are so so sorry to hear this @RuthieeL We are thinking of you and sending lots of love.”
A third added: “I’m so sorry of course we understand just come back when you’re good and ready sending so much love and lots of hugs your way lovely.”
Her Loose Women co-star Coleen Nolan posted a heartbroken emoji followed by a collection of kisses.
Meanwhile Mel Sykes commented: “Oh Ruth I’m so sorry x sending you so much love xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx.”
Back in December, Ruth shared a sweet photo of herself, her mum Joan and big sister Julia along with niece Katie.
The family tucked into plates of tasty looking cakes, scones with jam and cream and finger sandwiches at Fortnum & Mason.
Back in 2015, Ruth said her ideal day out would be with her sister Julia.
Read more: This Morning’s Ruth Langsford makes embarrassing blunder about Bradley Cooper
When asked how she would spend her fantasy 24 hours, she told the Daily Mail at the time: “I’d take Jack, my sister Julia and my niece Katie, 31, to a matinée in the West End, followed by a cream tea with the family.”
Send your condolences to Ruth on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.