More than a year after their shock split sent ripples through daytime TV, Eamonn Holmes is said to be privately admitting to friends that he wants his old life back — including a reunion with Ruth Langsford.
But while Eamonn’s heart appears to be pulling him back towards the woman he spent nearly three decades with, insiders say Ruth has already moved on — and has no intention of reopening that door.
According to sources close to the former This Morning star, the 65-year-old presenter has quietly ended his turbulent romance with girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42 — a relationship that raised eyebrows from the start due to their 22-year age gap.
The romance, which began last year in the aftermath of his marriage breakdown, is said to have fizzled out despite Eamonn splashing out on luxury gifts and lavish trips.
“It’s over,” one insider claimed.
“And only now does Eamonn truly realise what he threw away. He finally understands what Ruth meant to him.”
Christmas regrets — and a family fantasy
Friends say Eamonn has recently been telling those closest to him that he dreams of reuniting with Ruth this Christmas — hoping to rebuild some form of family life.
“He admits he wasn’t always the dream husband,” a source revealed.
“But he wants to be friends again, rebuild trust, and have Ruth back in his life — not just as the mother of his son, but as part of a family once more.”
The pair first got together in 1996, welcomed son Jack in 2002, and married in 2010, becoming one of daytime television’s most recognisable couples during their years co-hosting This Morning.
But in May last year, they announced the end of their marriage following reports that Ruth had discovered messages between Eamonn and another woman — triggering a painful and very public fallout.
‘Too late’ — and no turning back
For Ruth, however, insiders insist the timing couldn’t be worse.
“This is adding insult to injury,” a friend said.
“Eamonn is living in a fantasy world if he thinks Ruth will welcome him back.”
Those close to Ruth say she always believed this moment would come — the day Eamonn would regret his choices and attempt to return.
“But while she predicted it,” the source added,
“she no longer has the time, energy or love to invest in him. Her focus now is solely on Jack — and on herself.”
What followed the split was a bitter period, including a reported £3.6 million dispute over their Surrey mansion. Although tensions appeared to ease slightly over the summer — with Eamonn publicly praising Ruth for caring for their beloved dog Maggie — the emotional distance between them remains firmly in place.
A woman reborn — and a door firmly shut
Ruth, also 65, has instead poured her energy into her career, friendships and independence. In recent months, she’s been spotted enjoying nights out with friends including Amanda Holden, Rylan Clark and Lizzie Cundy — appearing confident, radiant and unbothered.
“She doesn’t waste time on Eamonn’s regrets,” one friend said.
“He took her for granted for years. Now it’s simply too late.”
Those close to Eamonn insist he is consumed by remorse, admitting that losing Ruth was the biggest mistake of his life.
“He knows what he lost,” an insider explained.
“He’ll keep trying — even if only to stay in her life as a friend.”
But Ruth’s revenge, they say, is quiet and absolute.
“She’s no longer invested. He wants the family back — but that door is closed.”
