Eamonn Holmes, a familiar face on GB News, made a heartfelt revelation about his first marriage during a Valentine’s Day discussion with co-host Ellie Costello.
The television presenter, who recently separated from his longtime partner Ruth Langsford, shared a rare insight into his past romantic life, leaving viewers intrigued.
A Nostalgic Valentine’s Day Revelation
During the Valentine’s Day segment, Ellie Costello asked Eamonn about his first Valentine.
Without hesitation, he responded, “I married her.” The unexpected confession delighted Ellie, who reacted warmly, saying, “Aww, that’s so nice.”
Eamonn was referring to his first wife, Gabrielle, whom he wed in 1985. The couple shared three children together—Declan, Rebecca, and Niall.
However, despite the promising start to their marriage, their relationship eventually faced difficulties, ultimately leading to their separation.
The Challenges of Long-Distance Marriage
Eamonn has previously spoken about the pressures that contributed to the breakdown of his first marriage. At the time, his demanding career at GMTV kept him based in London, while Gabrielle and their children remained in Belfast. The distance became a significant challenge for their relationship.
In his 2008 autobiography, Eamonn reflected on the strain caused by his frequent absences. He explained that while he believed “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” the reality was quite different. The time apart, instead of strengthening their bond, led to a growing emotional distance between them.
He recalled how his weekends at home started feeling unfamiliar, as Gabrielle had built an independent life with their children in his absence. The situation worsened following the death of Eamonn’s father in 1991, a tragic event that left him struggling with grief and longing for emotional support.
However, by that point, the relationship had already deteriorated. Eamonn candidly wrote about his feelings during this difficult period, admitting that he desperately needed closeness and comfort from Gabrielle. Yet, he sensed an emotional detachment, which only deepened the cracks in their marriage.
Finding Love Again with Ruth Langsford
Following his split from Gabrielle, Eamonn’s path to love took a new turn when he met Ruth Langsford. The two were introduced by a mutual acquaintance from GMTV, and their connection was instant.
For 14 years, they built a strong partnership before tying the knot in a grand ceremony on June 26, 2010, at Elvetham Hall in Hampshire. The event was so lavish that it was featured across two editions of Hello! magazine. Together, they became one of television’s most beloved couples, co-hosting This Morning for years and charming audiences with their natural chemistry.
The End of a 28-Year Relationship
Despite their on-screen rapport, Eamonn and Ruth’s relationship faced challenges behind the scenes. In a candid interview with TalkTV, Eamonn hinted at the growing distance between them, stating, “Although we live together, we’re not really together… Ruth likes her own space, [and] when we do This Morning, it’s a rare time we actually interrelate.”
Their separation, which became public in May last year, shocked fans. After nearly three decades together—including 14 years of marriage—the couple called it quits, marking the end of one of British television’s most enduring partnerships.
Moving Forward
Eamonn’s Valentine’s Day admission served as a rare glimpse into his reflections on love and marriage. While his relationships have had their challenges, his openness about both the highs and lows of his romantic life resonated with many.
For now, Eamonn remains focused on his career at GB News, continuing to connect with audiences in his signature candid style. Meanwhile, both he and Ruth navigate their separate paths, with fans eagerly watching to see what the future holds for them both.
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