Loose Women star is marking her 65th birthday today – the first one in many years that she has spent single. The previously described 2024 as a “tough year” following her divorce from Eamonn Holmes but took time to focus on self-care and moving forward with a renewed sense of well-being and work opportunities.
Ruth and Eamonn, who formerly presented together, had been married for 14 years when they announced their separation last May. After 27 years together, a spokesperson confirmed: “Their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”
Ruth turns 65 today (Image: Getty)
Since their separation, Eamonn has been with his new girlfriend, Katie Alexander, while Ruth has thrown . In a new interview with , Ruth stated: “I’ve chosen to pick myself up and get on with life.
“Relationship breakdowns are very difficult – marriage, friendship, whatever it is – but you just deal with it, and you have to move on. You can either let yourself crumble or you pick yourself up and get on with life. It’s a choice.”
While Ruth is prepared to move forward from Eamonn, the much-adored presenter isn’t quite set to start dating again. A source close to the star told the press: “She’s not ready to date, it’s not her priority and she just wants to have fun.”
As well as dealing with heartbreak, Ruth has also had worries over her mum, 94-year-old Joan, who suffers with dementia. Over Christmas, the star’s mum had a fall, leaving Ruth desperately worried and regularly updating concerned fans on social media with her progress.
At the time, Ruth shared: “She had a fall, middle of December and fractured her pelvis which is really painful. I said at the time thank goodness she hasn’t broken anything but the doctor said that a fracture is worse, it takes longer to heal. She was in so much pain. It’s been horrible. We only got her out of the hospital on Friday.”
Don’t miss… [UPDATE]
Ruth and Eamonn split last year (Image: Getty)
She went on: “I couldn’t take Maggie into the hospital to see her, Maggie saw her and we’re all happy again. It’s been a tough one. I know for so many people when you have an elderly parent who needs care, it’s difficult isn’t it. I love my mum so I don’t resent it and it could have been a lot lot worse.”
Ruth has also noticably lost weight, raising concerns with fans over her own health. The star shared that she has sought medical advice following the divorce, for hormonal balance and potentially waving goodbye to menopause.
Speaking to Woman and Home magazine, shared the personal factors contributing to her recent slimming. She shared: “I have lost weight.
“Divorce obviously has something to do with it but I also went for a hormone check and rebalance, which helped. It could also hopefully mean that I’m coming to the end of menopause.”