Eamonn Holmes has opened up on how he is expecting a “difficult Christmas” with his wife Ruth Langsford this year.
The This Morning husband-and-wife duo were left devastated in June this year when Ruth's sister Julia died.
Ruth, who has never been shy of her love of the festive period, and husband Eamonn are used to bringing cheer to our TV screens, with previous years seeing Eamonn dub his wife of nine years the “Queen of Christmas”.
But this year will be a quieter affair, as they continue to grieve the loss of Julia.
Just last month, an inquest ruled that Ruth’s elder sister took her own life, having suffered with depression for a number of years.
In June, devastated Ruth, 59, announced the news that Julia had passed away, writing: "My lovely sis Julia has sadly died after a very long illness. My heart is completely broken.
“She was the kindest and most gentle soul and I will miss her forever. As I am sure you will appreciate, I need to take time to grieve with my family. Thank you for your understanding."
Veteran TV host Eamonn admitted he and Ruth have supported each other "through a really, really bad year.”
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Eamonn said: “Christmas will be a difficult time.
“I know we will both be reflective, whilst bearing in mind we have responsibilities to carry on for other people around us.”
Eamonn recently, 60, revealed the secret to the success of the pair's union after such a difficult year.
On how the pair have become one of the strongest couples in showbusiness, Eamonn told Daily Star Online : "I would say, I think Ruth and I are more honest than most people.
"Again, we're not these people that say, 'we never argue, we never fall out', we never have downs, we simply say, 'you're a bit abnormal or creepy if you're constantly holding hands for 25 years – there's something wrong with you, I think'."
Eamonn and Ruth have been married for nine years and share son Jack, 17.
Eamonn gushed over his wife and revealed how it was a case of opposites attract between himself and "fiery" Ruth.
He explained: "Ruthie is so fiery and determined – she's incredible as a woman.
“She's incredible as a human being – she's strong, she's strident. But basically, at the end of the day, her and I have a very good relationship – she's the fiery one.
"And she's the feisty one, and together we're a really good balance. I'm full of admiration for everything she does for us as a family."
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