Ruth Langsford deliberately 'snubbed' Eamonn Holmes in calculated career move
EXCLUSIVE: Ruth Langsford's decision to avoid mentioning Eamonn Holmes in her Loose Women comeback was a calculated move for the future of her career, a PR expert has said.
Ruth Langsford made her long-awaited return to ITV’s Loose Women this week after two months away following the announcement of her split from Eamonn Holmes.
The presenter, 64, avoided any mention of her estranged husband when she made her TV comeback on Monday (July 22). The former This Morning presenters were together for 27 years and married for 14.
A PR expert has analysed Ruth's return and suggested that her omission was a calculated move.
Rochelle White Communications told Express.co.uk: “I feel that her not addressing or mentioning Eamonn is something she would have thought about and considered.
“She maybe didn't want the conversation to be all about that. It could always be a hard time for her/her family and so it is easier and more professional to not address it."
LW: Ruth Langsford returns following split from Eamonn Holmes
The expert added that although Ruth and other presenters are in the public eye, "they don't need to address everything publicly".
They continued: "I would say she would have spoken to her team (PR/agent) as well as the team at Loose Women to keep the conversation a certain way and not bring anything that could take the focus away from her returning.
"As a PR and Brand expert, I think that is a great move for both her comeback and next steps.”
On Tuesday, some viewers suggested Ruth had subtly snubbed Eamonn while the panel discussed the emotional impact of gifts from loved ones.
Ruth said: "I think any gift from a friend is a special gift, anything that a friend gives you. When someone says friendship bracelet I don't think of a beautiful silver bracelet, I think of a bit of cotton that a kid has made for you.
"I don't have grandchildren, I hope I will one day, but I can imagine that. If a grandchild or something has made me something I would feel the need to wear it."
Eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that Ruth does have step-grandchildren through Eamonn, but this was not mentioned on air.
One fan pointedly tweeted "#Loosewomen I thought you had a granddaughter Ruth."
This sparked debate among Twitter users, with one replying, "They're Eamonn's grandkids. I bet she doesn't see them now."
Another viewer expressed surprise, posting: "In the 14 years Eamon and Ruth were together, Her stepson Declan had two children. She would have known them... Her step-grandchildren. Now, she says she has no grandchildren. Ouch."
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.
