Discussing step-parenting on Loose Women, Ruth Langsford, 60, admitted it can be difficult to be a step-parent as she discussed the stereotype of evil step-mums with her fellow panelists.The presenter has 18-year-old son Jack with husband Eamonn Holmes, while the latter also has three grown-up children, Rebecca, Declan and Niall, with his first wife Gabrielle.
Sharing her thoughts on step-mums being more portrayed as “evil” unlike step-dads, Ruth said: “It is interesting that it’s always the stepmothers who are portrayed as the wicked or evil stepmother.
“I am officially a stepmother, although they don’t call me that phrase very often.”
She added: “I actually sign things saying ‘From your wicked stepmother’. It’s like a term of endearment in a way.
“I’m very lucky I have a fantastic relationship with my stepchildren.”
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She went on to say: “I always think a stepmother has to be very nurturing actually, it’s a very difficult balance and a fine tight rope you’re walking.”
In a previous interview Ruth discussed having her son Jack at the age of 42 and how she didn’t try to be a mum to her stepchildren.
She said: “I wish I had started younger and had maybe one or two more children, but it isn’t a regret.
“I’m so lucky to have Jack and love spending time with him, even though now he’s a teenager, he’s all about being cool and not so fussed about spending time with me!”
“It’s not the worst out there, no marriage is perfect,” he said.
“I think the secret for Ruth and I is, we don’t bottle things up and we don’t go around pretending that there’s never anything wrong or we never have a disagreement because we do.
“We’re always good at making up.”
Last year, the presenting duo marked their 10-year wedding anniversary and their 60th birthdays.
While it may have seemed like a perfect time to renew their vows, Eamonn said the idea isn’t a priority for the pair.
“Honestly, I don’t see the need to,” he divulged.
“We’re not in a situation where we feel like we have to, I’m not saying never but it’s not high up on our to do list.”
The pair are currently on a break from their This Morning duties, as hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary prepare to fill their Friday slot.
Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV.