The Loose Women presenter is said to be concerned about appearing as if she’s “abandoned” Belfast-born Holmes, who now relies on a wheelchair and walking frame due to chronic pain.
Sources claim that Langsford, 64, is caught between supporting her former partner and moving forward with her life. A source told Bella magazine that she feels “terribly guilty” and that seeing recent photos of a “frail” Holmes has been very hard for her.
Friends, who describe the ITV star as a “sensitive soul,” have encouraged her not to be too harsh on herself as she adapts to her “new normal.”
The source added: “Even though she has every right to live her life and do what is best for her, she’s worried the public will perceive her as abandoning Eamonn in his time of need as he struggles with his health.”
Separately, it was reported that friends fear the split between couple is “about to get nasty”. They said she was “hurt” by a recent public “dig”.
Holmes made his first social appearance following the pair’s divorce announcement at the TRIC Awards on Tuesday, where his GB News Breakfast show won in the news category.
During his comments accepting the award, Holmes told the audience: “I think sometimes we [GB News presenters] all have imposter syndrome, why is, that sort of thing.
“I went for an operation a year and a half ago and it went wrong. So I got two things in my back that I didn’t want, so why not, I’ll happily accept this.”
According to friends of Ms Langsford who spoke to the Daily Mail, the on-stage comments were inferred as being aimed at her.
“Ruth took Eamonn’s words as a dig at her. She found it unfair and hurtful,” the source told the Mail Online.
“Friends are worried this is going to get very nasty.”
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on This Morning
The pair, both 64, announced their plans to divorce last month following 14 years of marriage and 27 years together, with Eamonn since moving out of his marital home in Surrey.
Holmes and Langsford, who both formerly presented This Morning on ITV, have one son named Jack, born in 2002. Holmes also has three other children from his previous marriage.
The Sun reported the former couple split after she discovered messages between him and another woman.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror at the awards, Holmes opened up following the headlines about his private life, saying: “I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all.”
When asked about the end of his marriage he responded: “It’s too early to say but I hope we can still be friends.”
Stephen Dixon, Isabel Webster, Eamonn Holmes, Ellie Costello and Ben Briscoe accepting the News award on behalf of GB News Breakfast at The TRIC Awards 2024 at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Holmes was pictured at the event in a wheelchair as a result of his back pain and didn’t take part in the red carpet arrivals but instead arrived quietly through a different entrance.
During the event he was seen enjoying a performance from popstar Pixie Lott who was the entertainment for the night.
After GB News Breakfast won their award, Holmes added: “I wasn’t going to come, but I’ve got this new chair with all these gadgets.”
“I had an operation a year and a half ago, and two things went wrong so I have two things in my back I don’t want. So I’ll happily accept this.
“I get very resentful that I’m not the way I used to be but I get on with it.
“I work hard at trying to walk. It’s very hard to get through a normal day but I have help from people around me.”
News Catch Up: Thursday 27th June 2024