“Christmas Olive Branch”: Eamonn Holmes Sends Warm Message to Ruth as He Battles to Walk Again and Hopes for a New Beginning
Eamonn Holmes has extended a gentle gesture of goodwill to his estranged wife Ruth Langsford this Christmas — telling her she deserves “the very best” as the former couple navigate life after their high-profile split and he continues his long, painful journey toward regaining mobility.
The 66-year-old broadcaster shared the rare, heartfelt message at a festive lunch for the TRIC Awards, where he appeared alongside his girlfriend, Katie Alexander, 44. Though now on separate paths, Eamonn spoke warmly — and quietly — about Ruth.
“I wish Ruth all the best,” he said. “She deserves it.”
The simple sentiment landed with significance. It comes just weeks after Ruth revealed she has been undergoing therapy to rebuild her life following the end of their 27-year marriage, while she prepares for the release of her new book, Feeling Fabulous, in early 2026 — a project widely seen as a symbol of her personal reset.
🎄 A Christmas Apart — But a New Chapter for Both
Eamonn confirmed he will spend Christmas with Katie this year — another step into their new life together.
“I’ll be with Katie at Christmas,” he shared. “I’ve never spent Christmas outside the UK — but maybe one year I will.”
The couple went public shortly after Eamonn and Ruth announced their separation last year, ending almost three decades together and raising their son Jack.
💔 “My Dream Is to Walk Again”
Behind the festive atmosphere lies a deeper, more personal struggle: Eamonn’s long battle with chronic pain and limited mobility.
Since his spinal surgery in 2022, he has relied on crutches and a walking frame — the result of nerve damage that has severely affected his hips and legs. Now, he is pinning his hopes on a pioneering treatment involving pig-derived stem cells injected into the lower spine, designed to help repair deteriorating tissue.
“My dream next year is to walk in the park using my frame and crutches. And maybe get some movement back in my legs — even with a small chair to rest on.”
Eamonn admits the loss of independence has been one of the hardest battles of his life.
“Health takes over everything — getting out of bed, getting dressed, getting through the day.
The hardest part is having to ask for help. I try to stay independent, but it’s tough.”
🧠 “I Don’t Know Why I Haven’t Buckled”
Despite his physical challenges, Eamonn says his mental resilience is what carries him through.
“I often ask myself why I haven’t buckled. I must have very strong mental health.
I have low days, but mostly I stay focused.”
He adds that hearing about young people struggling with anxiety makes him grateful for his emotional stability.
📺 Still Working — Still Fighting
Eamonn continues to anchor GB News’ breakfast programme and insists retirement is nowhere near his plans.
“I love what I do. I need to work — I’ve got bills to pay.
GB News just had its highest-ever breakfast ratings.
I don’t retire — others retire you.”
He also found renewed strength performing his This Is My Life stage tour this year.
“Being on stage in my electric wheelchair gave me a massive boost — mentally and physically.”
He hopes to take the show to England next.
⚖️ Divorce Still Ongoing — But Both Want Closure
A close friend revealed that Eamonn and Ruth hope to finalise their divorce next year, but unresolved financial matters — particularly their shared home — remain the biggest barrier.
“Both want to move on. The sticking point is the house.”
The source also said Eamonn has expressed a desire to marry Katie once the divorce is complete.
💬 Ruth: “Counselling Saved Me”
Ruth has spoken candidly about the emotional turmoil that followed their split.
“The end of a long relationship takes a lot of unravelling. Counselling gives you the tools to cope — to not get stuck.”
While she isn’t actively seeking a new relationship, she hasn’t closed the door either.
“I haven’t been put off relationships — or marriage.
But I’ve realised I’m actually quite good on my own. I’m stronger than I thought.”
Looking ahead, she says:
“This new chapter doesn’t scare me anymore. It feels exciting.”
❤️ Two Lives Divided — But No Bitterness
Eamonn’s Christmas olive branch offers a rare moment of gentleness between the two, suggesting that while their marriage has ended, the respect remains.
Both are rebuilding their lives in their own ways — Ruth through self-discovery and therapy, Eamonn through determination and the fight to walk again.
And as Christmas approaches, his quiet message — “She deserves the very best” — may be the softest step toward healing yet.