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THIS week, Eamonn Holmes and his new girlfriend have been publicly slammed by critics for being underwhelmed by their relationship.
One critic wrote: ‘Ruth has shown so much dignity. Eammon (sic) is disrespectful, showing off his slut!’
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Another responded angrily: ‘Your ex remains quiet, elegant and stylish, while you are being pushed around Ibiza by your caring girlfriend’.
To some, it was cruel to go on a conspicuous holiday so soon after the breakdown of his marriage and after his wife Ruth Langsford discovered messages between him and another woman.
Especially since it is believed that his new partner Katie Alexander, a 42-year-old relationship therapist, is the same woman who exchanged messages with Eamonn.
In this book, Dear Deidre Agony Aunt, Sally Land looks at how best to navigate turbulent waters such as those of the ‘other woman’.
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Timeline of Ruth and Eamonn’s relationship
Before the shock announcement of the split, Ruth and Eamonn seemed one of the strongest couples on British television – despite their trademark bickering.
This is how their romance unfolded…
1997 – The couple first meet after being introduced by mutual friends, two years after Eamonn divorces his first wife, Gabrielle, with whom he has three children.
1997-2002 – To be respectful to Gabrielle, the couple kept their relationship out of the spotlight. Ruth said Daily Mail: “I thought it spoke volumes about the kind of man he was, the kind of father he was, the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less.”
2002 – Ruth and Eamonn welcome their son Jack to the family.
2005 – Eamonn finalises his divorce from Gabrielle.
2006 – The duo will begin co-presenting Friday episodes of This Morning.
2010 – Eamonn proposes to Ruth at the Cheltenham Races, after asking Ruth’s mother for her hand.
June 2010 – Eamonn and Ruth marry at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire.
2016 – Eamonn undergoes a double hip replacement, the first of many health problems.
June 2019 – On This Morning, Ruth and Eamonn reveal the secret to their happy marriage. Eamonn cites “compromise, consideration and lots of marital fun”, while Ruth says it’s “laughter and an equal marriage”.
November 2020 – Ruth and Eamonn will be replaced on Friday by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary in a ‘show shake-up’.
December 2021 – After being relegated to the bank holiday presenting spot for a year, Eamonn and Ruth left This Morning.
January 2022 – Eamonn made her debut on GB News, while Ruth remained at ITV in her regular role on Loose Women.
September 2022 – Eamonn is undergoing back surgery after suffering from back problems for years, including a pinched sciatic nerve.
November 2022 – Eamonn falls down the stairs of his Surrey home with Ruth and breaks his shoulder, requiring further surgery.
September 2023 – Eamonn is undergoing spinal and neck stretching surgery as part of his year-long recovery.
May 2024 – Ruth and Eamonn announce that they have separated after 14 years of marriage and a 27-year relationship.
September 2024 – Eamonn is spotted on a lavish holiday in Barcelona with new girlfriend Katie Alexander. Ruth hires a ‘fierce’ divorce lawyer.
SALLY SAYS: It’s always exciting to start a new relationship and meet your significant other’s friends and family. But when your partner goes through a breakup, the reality is that the temperature can only rise.
Whether you are in the public eye or not, you can expect every move you make to be scrutinized and analyzed.
This is a sensitive time, as your new partner is cutting ties with their previous partner. It pays to be aware and considerate of their previous relationships, even if you are not a party to those relationships.
And when children are involved, there is an additional complexity to consider.
While you may love having your partner all to yourself, the reality often means that he or she has to invest time in maintaining a good relationship with his or her ex and showing his or her children that he or she still wants to be involved in his or her life.
For many new partners, finding this balance can be a challenge. Some women quickly begin to see their ex and any children as a threat.
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It is important to accept that any new partner who already has children will always have them in his or her life.
Any new relationship will perform better if you view children as part of the deal, rather than an enemy.
And for anyone entering a relationship with a significantly older partner, the inevitable questions about motivation will quickly arise.
Hateful accusations are often made, but for women who face these kinds of insults, it is best to slowly reveal your true colors.
Don’t try to force yourself to meet reluctant family members or friends and be prepared for the introduction to take a long time.
To prove that your partner is sincere, you need a sensitive and patient approach. Only then will it be more likely that your partner’s loved ones will accept you in the long run.
After all, the path to true love is never paved with roses.
If anything is on your mind, you can write for free to my team of trained counsellors at deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk
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