Ruth Langsford has revealed that she almost quit her career in TV following the tragic death of her sister.
The This Morning and Loose Women star was left devastated when her sister took her own life in June last year.
Ruth announced her elder sister's shortly afterwards and said she died following a "very long illness".
Now, the presenter has said that she was close to giving up her career in the industry as her "heart was breaking".
The 60-year-old said in an interview with Best magazine: "It seemed wrong to be cheery on screen, when, inside, my heart was breaking."
And it was husband and co-host Eamonn Holmes that made her change her mind, sitting her down for a "soft and strong talk" after letting her "cry, scream and sob" at first.
"Eamonn pointed out that he was, in effect, losing not one, but two of the most precious people in his life – Julia and me" Ruth said. "He showed me how I had so much to live for in Julia's memory – and beyond.
"He pleaded with me not to let it win, by ruining everything I had achieved – and still had to celebrate."
Ruth announced the sad news on Instagram on June 20, 2019.
Alongside a picture of the sisters together, Ruth said: "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."
An inquest in November 2019 found that Julia has taken her own life.
The inquest heard that South East Coast Ambulance Service were called to the home address after she was found by her husband but paramedics pronounced Julia dead at 1.37am on June 16.
The coroner ruled that Julia's death was suicide after hearing she had been suffering from depression but had been diagnosed as improving greatly by a psychiatrist.
