After Rylan Clark-Neal stepped in to co-host This Morning on Friday (June 21), Eamonn Holmes has thanked him for his incredible support.
Rylan was revealed to be filling in for Eamonn’s wife, Ruth langsford, who was taking time off to grieve after announcing on Thursday that her older sister Julia, 62, had passed away following a “very long illness”.
Opening Friday’s show, Eamonn was choked up as he paid tribute to Julia, and explained to viewers why Rylan was on the sofa with him
He said: “Before we get underway let me explain why it is Rylan and myself today. You may be aware of the terrible bereavement Ruth had yesterday.”
He went on to read out Ruth’s Twitter tribute to her sister, before struggling to carry on and Rylan comforted his co-star and read out the rest.
Thanking Rylan, Eamonn said: “No one understands more than our friend and our colleague Rylan, who has been a great comfort to Ruth and a great help by stepping in today for her.”
Rylan said: “We know Ruth is watching and we are sending you all our love, and we love you dearly. And Ruth is going to need time to deal with this. And so are you, for that matter. But I couldn’t not be here.”
Eamonn replied: “Thank you. Rylan was the first person I phoned when we heard this news, and you are a great support to Ruth on all of this.”
After the show ended, Eamonn posted a photo of himself and Rylan hosting together and thanked him for being a great friend.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” Eamonn wrote. “For on and off screen Rylan, thank you for being there.”
View this post on InstagramA Friend in Need is a Friend indeed. For on and off screen Rylan , Thank you for being there.
Rylan also tweeted about today’s show saying: “Tough one today but family stick together.”
He tagged Eamonn and Ruth and said: “Love you both the world.”
Tough one today but family stick together @EamonnHolmes @RuthieeL love you both the world x
— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) 21 June 2019
Read more: Loose Women send touching message to Ruth Langsford
Eamonn responded to his tweet: “You’re a fine man mate.”
Fans were overwhelmed by the show of support between the two men.
“Awwww really heartwarming when Rylan touched your arm today as if to say I’m here for you. Sending love to Ruth,” wrote one.
Another added: “Couldn’t have picked anyone better to stand in in such sad circumstances. You are a truly lovely person Rylan and they are very lucky to have you in their lives. Love to all.”
“You were such a comfort to Eamonn today that was evident, well done Rylan,” wrote a third.
A fourth said: “You’re a little treasure hun, always there for each other when needed. Just shows how lovely and true your friendship is. Sending you all hugs at this hard time.”
It comes after Ruth told her fans on Twitter yesterday that her “heart is completely broken” following Julia’s death.
Ruth told her fans that she needs to “take time to grieve with my family”.
Writing on Twitter on Thursday, Ruth said: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/o6jMtIqMg4
— Ruth Langsford (@RuthieeL) 20 June 2019
Fans offered their condolences.
One person said: “So sorry to hear this Ruth, sending love to you and your family.”
Another wrote: “We are so so sorry to hear this @RuthieeL We are thinking of you and sending lots of love.”
A third added: “I’m so sorry of course we understand just come back when you’re good and ready sending so much love and lots of hugs your way lovely.”
Her Loose Women co-star Coleen Nolan posted a heartbroken emoji followed by a collection of kisses.
Meanwhile Mel Sykes commented: “Oh Ruth I’m so sorry x sending you so much love xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx.”
Back in December, Ruth shared a sweet photo of herself, her mum Joan and big sister Julia along with niece Katie.
The family tucked into plates of tasty looking cakes, scones with jam and cream and finger sandwiches at Fortnum & Mason.
Back in 2015, Ruth said her ideal day out would be with her sister Julia.
Read more: Eamonn Holmes chokes up over Ruth’s sister as he pays tribute
When asked how she would spend her fantasy 24 hours, she told the Daily Mail at the time: “I’d take Jack, my sister Julia and my niece Katie, 31, to a matinée in the West End, followed by a cream tea with the family.”
Send your condolences to Ruth on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.