Eamonn Holmes brushes off criticism from Ruth Langsford friends as star posts about Irish romance

Eamonn Holmes has shrugged off remarks from Ruth Langsford's friends about her "hurt" over his friendship with another woman, choosing instead to share a post about his favourite Irish romance film.

Ruth, 64, is reportedly taking a break from her role on ITV's Loose Women for the rest of the month as she grapples with their separation and its aftermath. It's been suggested that she's distressed by the revelation that her husband Eamonn, 64, has been seeking comfort in the company of another woman, with whom he's been seen out and about multiple times.

Eamonn took to Instagram to share a snapshot from the 1952 classic The Quiet Man, featuring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. He captioned it: "Probably my favourite film ever. A Romantic view of Ireland. Amazingly released 72 years ago."

His followers were quick to express their love for the film in the comments section, reports the Mirror. One wrote: "They just don't make films like that anymore . I've read that Maureen was his favourite leading lady and I can see why."

Another added: "Grew up watching this with my grandparents and still watch it to this day. 'When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey; and when I drink water, I drink water' Michaleen."

This comes after friends of Eamonn and Ruth have described their relationship as beyond repair, stating there is "no chance" of them getting back together. It's believed that a significant factor in this is the discovery that Eamonn has been finding solace with a blonde divorcee in her 40s.

Eamonn has reportedly formed a close bond with a woman he met while she was working as a relationship counsellor, enjoying outings to various events including a safari park visit in February, a Manchester United match, Centre Parcs, and a Beyonce concert. The pair are said to have developed their friendship over the last couple of years.

A source close to Eamonn shared earlier this month that the woman is "bowled over by being lavished with attention and kindness from him".

Ruth was reportedly unaware of these excursions until recently, and it's believed to be a significant reason behind their split. She's also been "deeply upset" by insinuations that her marriage ended due to Eamonn's health issues.

"Ruth was hurt when she learned about Eamonn's friendship with another woman but she is strong and she will be back soon with a smile on her face, putting her best foot forward, as she always does. She needs a bit of time to regroup after everything that's gone on, which is understandable, but she plans to return to Loose Women, with renewed vigour, in July," an insider revealed.

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