Ruth Langsford, 59, has been away from her roles on the ITV programmes, This Morning and Loose Women, as she’s been spending time grieving the loss of her sister Julia Johnson, who died last month following a long-term illness. The ITV star took to Instagram on Sunday to congratulate Strictly Come Dancing pal Gemma Atkinson, 34, who welcomed her first child with professional dancer boyfriend Gorka Marquez, 28. Ruth replied to a post from the former Emmerdale actress who announced the news she had given birth. The This Morning presenter replied in the comments, saying: “Congratulations Yummy Mummy & Daddy!
“A beautiful (I’m sure) baby girl…what a precious gift. Sending you all much love.”
The sweet post comes after Ruth has been keeping a low profile following the news of her sister’s death.
During last month’s episode of This Morning, the presenter’s husband Eamonn Holmes got back to work without Ruth and was instead joined by Rylan Clark-Neal as she mourned the loss of her sister.
Eamonn remembered his sister-in-law with a sweet tribute on what was the day of his wedding anniversary with Ruth.
In view of his 509,000 followers, he wrote: “It was the hottest day of the year , June 26th 2010.
“We can’t celebrate our anniversary today but we can still remember Julia in the best way, as one of our Bridesmaids, smiling, dancing and singing.”
It comes after the Loose Women panellist took to Instagram and paid tribute to Julia in an emotional post following her death.
In view of her 685,000 followers, Ruth captioned the post: “My lovely Sis Julia has sadly died after a very long illness.
“My heart is completely broken. She was the kindest and most gentle soul and I will miss her forever. As I am sure you will appreciate I need to take time to grieve with my family. Thank you for your understanding.”
Accompanying the post was a picture of her and her sister Julia smiling as they sat on a bench outside in the sunshine, their arms around each other.
According to The Sun,This Morning and Loose Women presenter Ruth has cancelled all upcoming TV appearances until further notice following the news.
A source told the publication: “She adored Julia. They were very close – speaking all the time on the phone and enjoying girls’ days out.
“Julia had been unwell for quite some time but this has shaken Ruth to the core” they added.
The insider told the publication Ruth’s husband Eamonn and their on Jack, 17, are “comforting her at home”.
“Ruth is in deep shock,” they said. “It’s absolutely heartbreaking for the whole family.”
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10.30am.