Ruth Langsford flooded with support after Eamonn Holmes 'snub' sparks 'cruel' backlash

Ruth Langsford shared a heartwarming tribute to her late father and sister as she marked Father's Day on Sunday. The Loose Women presenter posted a throwback photo of dad, Dennis, with her elder sister Julia on his shoulders.

Ruth's father died aged 84 back in 2012 from complications from dementia, after 57 years of marriage to his devoted wife, Joan. Meanwhile, her sister Julia, who battled depression, sadly died at the age of 62 in 2019.

Paying tribute to her loved ones, she wrote: "Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dads out there….hope you’re having a fantastic day being spoilt by your families. I’m remembering both my wonderful Dad Dennis and my sister Julia today….this is them on a day out while my Mum was still in hospital with me just after I’d been born. Singapore 1960."

She added the hashtags: "#fathersday #family #memories #love."

While Ruth was inundated with positive comments some social media trolls accused the former This Morning presenter of snubbing husband Eamonn Holmes in her Father's Day tribute.

The former couple announced they were ending their 14 year marriage last month.

A critic penned: "Happy Father's Day to Eamonn too, the father of your child," while another said: "Don’t forget Eamonn father to your son Jack."

Ruth's 1.1 million followers rushed to her defence as a user replied: "Eamonn isn't Ruth's father... I'm sure his children will wish him a Happy Father's Day themselves as they are all adults and don't need their mothers to do it for them."

Another agreed: "Unnecessary. Not your business," while a third shared: "Why be so unkind. I'm sure after so many years it's not easy for either of them."

A fourth said: "What a ridiculous statement."

Another stated: "Do not be so, cruel... You know, that they are separated."

Others heaped praise on Ruth after sharing a heartfelt message on Father's Day. Her celebrity pal Vanessa Feltz wrote: "Love to you darling friend."

Lucy Alexander gushed: "A beautiful photo - lovely to have such happy memories. Sending so much love today my friend."

Ruth, who shares 22 year old son Jack with Eamonn, revealed via a spokesperson on Saturday 25 May that they were divorcing - after 14 years of marriage and 27 together.

The joint statement read: "Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing."

The estranged couple met in 1997 after being introduced by a mutual friend and went on to marry in Hampshire in 2010.

The confirmation of their divorce followed on from rumours about the couple, who haven't been pictured together in months.

Eamonn addressed the reports during his GB News show, sharing: "Just before we move on I'd like to thank people for their support for Ruth and I over the last few days as to the news of our separation. Your support for both of us is very much appreciated."