Ruth Langsford had to take five today after a segment on This Morning triggered emotions over her sister’s death.
The host, who was presenting the show with husband Eamonn Holmes, disappeared from the ITV show's studio during a call-in focusing on anxiety and mental health.
Psychologist Angela was speaking to callers who were trying to break their cycle of anxiety and depression.
Half-way through one caller's question relating to anxiety, Ruth left the set and husband Eamonn sensitively explained to viewers that she had to walk off as she is still coming to terms with her bereavement.
Ruth’s sister Julia Johnson died in June following a short illness.
Eamonn said: “Ruth’s just had to leave the studio because of her sister.”
He added she would be back soon but things were still "very raw" for her.
The 59-year-old soon came back on the screen after composing herself off camera.
Viewers took to Twitter to air their concerns for the presenter.
One simply said: "Aww poor Ruth."
A second said: "Feel so sorry for Ruth on #ThisMorning can see she’s been crying but comes back to finish the show anyway strong lady."
Another viewer praised Ruth for returning to the screen: "Poor Ruth, well done girly for getting yourself back together."
A fourth simply said: "Hope Ruth is ok."
But one viewer blasted the show for including the topic: "Awful that on today's #ThisMorning Ruth Langsford has no choice but do an item on anxiety when her sister gone through this massively in her life and she had only died in June!?? What an awful program."
This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.
