Ruth Langsford was overcome with emotion during the phone-in segment on today’s This Morning.
A woman called in and described symptoms that had been similar to Ruth‘s late sister Julia’s, who passed away in June after a short illness.
Ruth, 59, and husband Eamonn Holmes were listening to a call-in on anxiety.
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One viewer called in to ask how she can cope with her society anxiety and depression, which Ruth’s sister Julia suffered from.
Eamonn explained to viewers: “This is featured in Ruth’s life, she’s upset now and has had to leave the studio because of her sister, who was a chronic depressive.
“No matter what kind of help and medication was there, it didn’t really make much difference.”
Ruth revealed her sister had passed away in June.
She wrote on social media at the time: “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.”
Ruth took a break from TV to grieve with her family.
Eamonn presented This Morning the following day alongside Rylan Clark-Neal and teared up as he spoke about Ruth and Julia.
An emotional Eamonn 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.
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) June 20, 2019
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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.”
He later sent a message to fans on Twitter, thanking them for their support.
The presenter said: “I just wanted to say, if I haven’t done so directly, Thank u for your kindness and compassion towards Ruth and the loss of her sister Julia.
“We both loved and cared for Julia with all our hearts and will miss her forever. Your love and kind words have been a great help. Thank you.”
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