Ruth Langsford was in tears on Loose Women today during an emotional debate about visiting rights at care homes.
Many loved ones have been unable to visit or spend time with relatives living in care homes due to the coronavirus restrictions over the past year.
And Ruth explained on the ITV show how she hasn't physically touched her mum, Joan, for months because of the measures.
The 60-year-old has previously shared images on social media of her speaking to her mum through a window during the pandemic.
The ITV panel, including Janet Street-Porter, Judi Love and Denise Welch, discussed visiting rights after I'm A Celeb's Ruthie Henshall's calls for it to be made illegal for care homes to ban visits.
This led to Ruth sharing: "This is very close to my heart as my mum has not been out of her care home since March.
"The biggest concern for lots of people is if they die and you haven't actually held them.
"I've seen my mum through a window, I phone her all the time but I haven't physically touched her."
She said her mum has had her first vaccine and asked why she couldn't be treated as a primary care worker and be tested so she could physically be in contact with her.
Ruth then added: "I can't praise the care workers at my mum's care home enough, they are incredible.
"But they are doing their daily jobs and are very, very busy. They can't match my memories with my mum, they can't sit and talk to my mum about my dad and sister and life as they don't have the time and they don't know her well enough.
"That, I think, is what so many elderly people are missing."
As the debate came to an end, Ruth's eyes filled with tears as she read out a government statement before adding with a strain in her voice: "Well let's hope that is soon because I think people really, really need to see their loved ones and to touch them and hold them.
"Right anyway something fluffy and nice because we don't want to upset you today."
But it was a moment felt by a lot of people watching at home.
One wrote: "So sorry to hear. My mom is very nearly 90 and I haven't seen her for almost a year. I haven't forgotten her but how does she know?!"
"Aww Ruth sending you hugs... I lost my mum and everyday is heartache... every moment is precious as are our parents i hope and pray you get to see your mum god bless you," another said.
A third added: "Hugs to you Ruth. I’m struggling not being able to hug my daughter and granddaughter."
