Fans of The Masked Singer are furious that pop sensation Rita Ora has been replaced with Love Island’s bombshell host Maya Jama for the sixth season of the madcap gameshow

ITV have sparked a backlash among The Masked Singer Fans after replacing Rita Ora with Maya Jama.

The hit family entertainment show is due to return to screens in 2025 but filming for the new season is underway. The show originally had a line-up of judges consisting of singer Rita, 33, along with talk show host Jonathan Ross, 63, presenter Davina McCall, 56, and South Korean-American stand-up comedian and actor Ken Jeong.

Ken bowed out of the show in 2020 and was replaced by comedian Mo Gilligan, 36 – and this year it was revealed Rita was exiting the show after five seasons. On Wednesday it was announced that Love Island host Maya, 30, is replacing Rita – but this has sparked a backlash with some fans.

The bombshell host is respected by many for her presenting skills, but there are many fans who fear a musician would have made a better replacement for I Will Never Let You Down singer Rita. Fans taking to social media have slammed ITV’s decision to strip the panel line up of the one music star they had.

Replacing Rita Ora with Maya Jama on The Masked Singer has provoked fury ( 
Image:
ITV/Instagram)

Rita has teased a tour and new album

One outraged Masked Singer fan wrote on Reddit: “I still don’t think this was the right choice, but what you gonna do. Should have been a singer or someone with musical experience.” Another agreed, writing: “So on a singing show, there isn’t a single judge that’s a singer?”

However, others argued the show is pure entertainment, rather than a singing contest. One defensive fan hit back at the criticism to write: “Everyone stressing… this isn’t a singing competition!!!! It’s about guessing who the person singing is – RELAX.”

Maya herself has explained how thrilled she is to be joining the series – which will continue to be hosted by hunky presenter Joel Dommett. Maya gushed to Radio Times: “I’m such a Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan, and Mo — and of course working with Joel — is going to be so much fun!”

She added: “I can’t wait to figure out who’s underneath all those incredible costumes, vibe to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings,” she added. “I’ve watched the show for a long time, so I’m definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!”

While Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning at ITV said: “The Masked Singer is back and promises to kick off 2025 with a bang. TV’s favourite guessing game welcomes the sensational Maya Jama who will be joining our expert detectives, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan all alongside Joel Dommett. We can’t wait.”

Earlier this year, Rita revealed she is working on a new album and planning an album. She told The Sun in July: “I’m definitely touring with this new record that I’m going to put out next year. I wanted to change it up. All the festivals I’ve been doing this summer have been so much fun. Getting to perform live is my favourite part. I hate the studio. I love seeing the crowd and I really connect with the energy. The tour is the only reason I put music out.”

On Wednesday night, BBC viewers saw the first instalment of the broadcaster’s new comedy-drama Ludwig, starring David Mitchell as the anxious puzzler John Taylor.

BBC fans were all saying the same thing on Wednesday night as the first episode of Ludwig aired on BBC One.

The new comedy-drama follows David Mitchell’s character John Taylor who is forced to visit his sister-in-law Lucy Betts-Taylor (Anna Maxwell Martin) in Cambridge.

While there he learns his twin brother DCI James Taylor has disappeared as Lucy explains a case he was working on before his vanishing act made him act differently.

If you can’t see the poll, click here

Explaining he didn’t come home one night, she showed John a cryptic note her husband left giving her instructions to leave immediately with their son.

However, ignoring his request to flee, Lucy asks John to take on his twin’s persona and pretend to be a police officer to try and get to the truth.

Although he was at first hesitant, John agreed as his puzzling skills allowed him to see the letter his brother left was filled with secret messages.

The first episode of Ludwig aired on Wednesday evening on BBC One
It wasn’t long before fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the new comedy drama with many left distracted over the music.

One person said: “I think they’ve made their point with the Beethoven.”

Another commented: “Quite enjoying #Ludwig but the constant music is bad enough without every bit being mangled Beethoven.”

Someone else wrote: ” #Ludwig Not sure if I’ll be able to tolerate the jaunty. Up. Beat. Comedy score support. For. Much. Longer…”

“Oh ffs! Is that irritating ‘this is a comedy romp’ music going to be constant & underline fact it’s called … #Ludwig,” fumed another.

John found himself impersonating his brother
One person commented: “#Ludwig music is rather annoying. Apart from that good.”

While someone else demanded: “Can we please stop with the music !! #Ludwig”

However, it seemed as though the majority of viewers enjoyed the new show, with many admitting they were going to binge the episodes on iPlayer.

During the episode, John found himself part of the major investigations team and tasked with solving an unrelated murder while impersonating his brother.

Will John discover the truth about his brother’s whereabouts?Although with his excellent puzzling skills, John discovers he’s extremely good at solving crimes, prompting him to continue impersonating his brother to find out where he is.

A synopsis for the next episode reads: “While on his way to the station to gather more information about his brother’s last case, John finds himself drawn to another grisly crime scene at a grand Manor House but what looks to be a missing person’s case turns into something far more sinister.

“Lucy sets out on a fact-finding mission at the home of one of her husband’s ex-colleagues.”

A mysterious new track – initially believed by many fans to be sung by Justin Bieber – has gone viral on social platforms with lyrics saying the singer ‘lost myself at a Diddy party’

Rumours about a viral song that many believed Justin Bieber had sung have finally been debunked.

The mysterious track first surfaced on social media platforms in April and resurfaced again earlier this month, amid the news of Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs’ arrest. The hip-hop musician, 54, has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, transportation and engaging in prostitution and denies all charges against him.

The song sounds like it was released by Justin with lyrics saying the singer “lost myself at a Diddy party” – but there is no record of Bieber ever releasing the track. As Justin breaks his cover for the first time since the rapper’s arrest, researchers have revealed the song was likely created using artificial intelligence (AI).

The song was likely created using artificial intelligence (AI), experts have revealed ( 
Image:
Justin Bieber/Youtube)
The debunked lyrics, in what appears to be an opening verse, are as follows: “Lost myself at a Diddy party, didn’t know that’s how it go, I was in it for a new Ferrari, but it cost me way more than my soul, wasn’t worth all the fortune and fame.” However, as clarified by the fact-checking site Snopes, there is no concrete evidence to substantiate the song’s existence.

Now, CBS News has run the track through multiple AI audio detection tools and spoken to experts who have confirmed the audio, or at least parts of it, are likely AI-generated. Stephen Stahl, co-founder of Ai-SPY told the publication he believes someone wrote the lyrics and melody, then uploaded it to an AI website and used a clone of Bieber’s voice.

“AI is [going to] be able to help anybody create a song easily, quicker, more efficiently,” Stahl said. “The downside is that everybody will be able to create a song. So talent is no longer a prerequisite to construct a great song.” Zohaib Ahmed, CEO and founder of Resemble AI, also said the song is likely generated by AI.

Ties were formed between Justin and Diddy right from the start of the Canadian pop icon’s entrance into the music world at the age of 15, after he signed with Usher’s record label, becoming part of the Caught Up entourage.

Footage taken back in 2009 shows the pair discussing spending the weekend together. In the video, Diddy said: “He’s having forty-eight hours with Diddy, where we hanging out and what we’re doing we can’t really disclose, but it’s definitely a 15-year-old’s dream.”

Justin and Diddy formed a friendship when he first entered the music world ( 
Image:
FilmMagic)
Combs went on to explain: “I have been given custody of him. He’s signed to Usher and I had legal guardianship of Usher when he did his first album. I don’t have legal guardianship of him [Bieber] but for the next forty-eight hours he’s with me and we’re gonna go full crazy.”

When asked what he wanted to do, Bieber told Diddy: “Let’s go get some girls.” Diddy then replied: “Man after my heart. That’s what I’m talking about.”

At the time of writing, Justin hasn’t publicly commented on the charges Diddy is facing. But a source close to the singer, who recently welcomed son Jack into the world with wife Hailey Bieber, told People that the new dad has been ‘in a happy bubble’ since the birth of his first child, and ‘just wants to focus on being a great dad and husband’.

Combs was arrested in a Manhattan hotel, six months after federal authorities raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. Over the past year, he has been sued by several people who claim physical or sexual abuse, including his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, who has accused Combs of rape and a decade-long pattern of abuse that began when she was 19 years old.

Combs ‘vehemently denied’ Cassie’s allegations last year and has pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The grand jury indictment documents seen by The Mirror details allegations dating to 2008 that he abused, coerced and threatened women for years “to fulfil his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct”.

He is accused of enticing female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, sometimes days-long sexual performances dubbed “freak offs”. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said outside the courthouse on September 17: “Mr Combs is a fighter, he’s going to fight this to the end. He’s innocent. He came to New York to establish his innocence. He’s not afraid, he’s not afraid of the charges.”

Loose Women star Kelly Brook has revealed that she previously received an invitation from shamed music mogul Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs to attend one of his parties but was told to not to go

Loose Women star Kelly Brook has revealed that she was once invited to a party hosted by rapper P Diddy but her former partner advised her not to go.

The 44-year-old appeared as a panellist on the hit ITV show, following her fourth-place triumph on Celebrity Race Across the World. Sitting alongside Loose Women stars Brenda Edwards, Charlene White and Denise Welch, the ladies quizzed Kelly on how she felt doing the programme alongside her husband, Jérémy Parisi.

But the conversation quickly turned to ex-partners and whether Kelly had spoken to Jérémy about her former lovers. This then led the model to divulge information on an invitation her ex-partner told her to refuse.

She said: “I felt like in my younger years I was kind of always pursued by older men and ended up in relationships with older men. So you know we talk a lot about that a lot as well.

Kelly Brook revealed that she was once invited to a party hosted by P Diddy

“And there was a particular actor that I dated many many years ago that was very protective over me and I spoke to Jeremy about this a lot because it’s still relevant now and for example, I got invited to one of those Sean Combs – Puff Daddy parties many many years ago and my boyfriend at the time said ‘you’re not going to it.’

The Loose Women stars spoke openly about former partners
“He was a well known actor that had been in the industry for a very long time and I was taking it as him being possessive and controlling and not wanting me to have fun. I was like ‘Why can’t I go everyone is going to be there, everyone goes to these parties.’

“But he said ‘You’re not going to go’ and nothing more was said about it. Years later I found the invite in his drawer in his office.”

Denise added: “He was looking out for you.” Kelly agreed and said she reflected on the situation with her husband recently.

P Diddy has been accused of sexual assualt ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Music mogul Sean P Diddy Combs recently pleaded not guilty to all charges against him after being arrested on 16 September. There are currently three charges outlined by the Southern District of New York (SDNY) in a legal indictment which are racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Since a number of allegations have been made even from singer and ex-partner Cassie, rumours have continued to swirl regarding his infamous parties. Combs has denied all charges.

Vernon Kay opened up about his relationship with wife Tess Daly on Thursday’s Loose Women, revealing when he first told his partner, who he married in 2003, he first loved her

Vernon Kay made a surprise admission about the start of his relationship with Tess Daly on Thursday’s Loose Women.

During the latest instalment, Vernon, 50, sat on the panel with Martin Kemp, Judi Love and Denise Welch in a Loose Women vs Loose Men crossover.

One of the topics on Thursday was “when did you tell your partner ‘I love you’” to which Vernon, who married Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly in 2003, said: “I’ll be honest with you, it was early on!”

Vernon added he was around 25 and trying to be a model, recalling: “We met at a BBC Christmas party!”, adding: “We hit it off straight away. I had a bit of an issue, financially, at the start of our relationship.

“I had, remember switch cards? Well, the one below that, was the solo card. I had a solo card that kept getting rejected as I was skint, I was absolutely skint as London’s expensive.

Vernon Kay made a surprise admission about the start of his relationship with Tess Daly on Thursday’s Loose Women ( 
Image:
ITV)
“I was a bit younger and I think we were on our sixth or seventh date, she had decided: ‘Right, if this one, if I’m paying for the sixth or seventh again then I think it’s time to kind of have a word…’

“Thankfully, I had a bit of cash and I managed to pay for dinner. It was only a few weeks later, I was like: ‘Oh my God, she’s amazing this woman’ and that’s when I said I love you. I knew straight away.”

Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to praise the panel shake-up on Thursday with Vernon and Martin. One person said: “LOVE this line up today #Loosewomen” while a different viewer said: “#LooseWomen love vernon and martin.”

It comes after Tess gave a rare insight into their home life earlier this year. The TV stars share daughters Phoebe, 19, and Amber, 14, and as you would expect, a house with teenagers is never easy all the time.

Tess spoke to OK! Magazine about what goes on in their Buckinghamshire mansion and praised Vernon as a brilliant dad, saying he’s the strict one when it comes to their kids.

Vernon married Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly in 2003“As a mum, I just want to be as present as I can be. I pride myself on that,” Tess told OK! “Teenagers don’t always want to talk to you, but even if you’re just physically there in the room with them… I’ll plonk myself there quietly in the corner. You’ve got two little people who have become young adults. It’s amazing and constantly rewarding. I love being a mum – it’s my most important job.”

She went on: “Vernon is a great dad – he loves them to bits. I don’t know if there’s a good cop, bad cop, but maybe he’s a little stricter sometimes. But it’s for the greater good and we’re a good team. I’m proud of how down to earth they are. That’s what you want – kids who are kind and who have a good work ethic and respect people. You just try to mould good humans.”

Martin Kemp made a sweet parenting admission about son Roman, 31, on Thursday’s Loose Women, leaving the panellists surprised

Martin Kemp stunned the Loose Women studio on Thursday as he made a sweet parenting admission about son Roman.

The Spandau Ballet icon, 62, shares son Roman, 31, and daughter Harley, 35, with wife Shirlie Holliman, who he married in 1988.

On Thursday’s episode of Loose Women, panellists Denise Welch and Judi Love were joined by Martin and Vernon Kay in a Loose Men shake-up. During the instalment, the panellists discussed the topic “do you parent boys and girls differently?” which prompted a surprising response from Martin.

Host, Denise, 66, asked: “Do you worry more about Harley though than you do Roman just because she’s a girl?” to which Martin admitted: “I didn’t, actually, it was the other way round. I used to worry far more about Roman because boys have that thing of getting into fights. That made me worry a lot more.

Martin Kemp stunned the Loose Women studio on Thursday as he made a sweet parenting admission about son Roman ( 
Image:
ITV)

“To a point where when Roman started going out, you know when they start going to the house parties, about 16 to 17, Shirlie and I would take them. We would drive them to wherever the house party was and instead of going back home we would wait there in the car for four hours with sandwiches.”

This admission led to gasps and laughter from the Loose Women studio as Judi asked: “Waiting for them to come out?” to which a giggling Martin explained: “Yeah, waiting for them to come out!”

Martin has a very close bond with presenter son Roman and only recently his son teased his famous father over his unique wardrobe choices on their podcast FFS! My Dad Is Martin Kemp. During their chat, Roman noticed his dad’s new sunglasses. Initially, Martin said, while noticing his son’s facial expression: “When I came in this morning, I thought I looked quite cool.”

Roman then quizzed: “What is that? You got mum’s sunglasses on?” In defence, Martin then said: “I haven’t got mum’s sunglasses, they’re my new ones. Bit of Tom Ford.” Believing that his dad was pranking him as the glasses were seemingly feminine, Martin then added: “Ro what are you laughing at?”

Martin has a very close bond with presenter son Roman and the duo have their own podcast ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
In response, Roman continued: “They’re not yours, please don’t tell me that. How much did you spend on them?” To make matters worse Roman was then told his dad spent £300 at an airport for his new purchase.

He replied, in between fits of laughter: “No you didn’t.” And it looks as though fans of their podcast enjoyed their banter, while some sided with Roman over his view of his father’s so-called trendy purchase. One person added in the comment section of the post: “You two are definitely a good replacement for Morecambe & Wise lol.”

Another added: “Ha ha agree with your son. They are just not your style.” Meanwhile, a third person said: “Best podcast ever .. I’m going to listen to them all again & hope you get another series.” And a fourth fan wrote: “You can rely on your kids to tell it straight.”

Roman recently quit his role on Capital Breakfast with his replacement announced as BBC Radio One Drivetime host Jordan North. Roman has been busy with his podcast and presenting duties on The One Show.

Eastenders and Emmerdale writer Sharon Marshall teased fans on This Morning, with the possibility of Mick Carter returning to the BBC One soap after a two year hiatus

This Morning star Sharon Marshall dropped a major tease for Mick Carter to return to Eastenders.

The former writer of the BBC One drama had been so impressed with some of the incredible actors and actresses who had made epic comebacks that she decided to run her own poll on the subject.

Speaking to host’s Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, the soap correspondent pondered over the thought of some iconic people making remarkable returns to their respective soap lands.

However, she wanted to establish fans’ views on the subject, with one clear winner at the top of the survey, the beloved fan favourite, Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer.

Fans will recall that fateful Christmas episode back in 2022 when Mick disappeared into the English Channel after a terrifying accident occured at sea.

Is Mick Carter ready to return to Eastenders? ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Mick’s final scenes saw him rescue his two ex-wives Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). Although it was assumed he had died in the ordeal, his body was never recovered and his fate remains a mystery to this very day.

Sharon, had been celebrating one of EastEnders most recent comebacks when she dropped the teaser about Mick. She said: “I was looking at Yolande [Trueman] and there have been so many good comebacks, Angela Wynter has just been acing the storyline.

Sharon let slip the details from the poll she held
“We did ask you [the viewers] who you would most like to see,” turning to Cat and Ben, she asked: “Shall I do a top three?”

Chiming back with glee, Cat exclaimed: “Yeah, what did the viewers say?” As Sharon detailed those who’d came out on top: “Number three, they want him to come and help his mum obviously, Adam Barton in Emmerdale.”

Sharon explained fans want Mick Carter back on-screensShe added: “Number two, Grant [Grant Mitchell] in Eastenders,” before turning her attention to first place. The expert revealed: “But the top one Mick Carter, they think he could have held his breath under the waves all that time.”

The former screenwriter had been shocked by a number of the replies she’d received from fans and their extensive requests to see some old characters return to soaps.

She went on to outline: “What happened was I just put a few names up there and then people started coming up with their own storylines on who they’d like to see coming back.

“Michael Adams and Denise Welch, watch this, he wants Natalie Barns back in Corrie,” she said with surprise in her voice while nodding for Denise – who was in the ITV headquarters for Loose Women – to take stock.

Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford ‘excited’ for first date as Eamonn Holmes split ‘turns sour’

Ruth Langsford is reportedly ready to “dip her toe” back into dating after splitting from her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes earlier this year.

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Ruth Langsford is reportedly prepared to venture back into the dating scene following her surprising separation from Eamonn Holmes earlier this year, according to a source.

The former This Morning duo stunned their fans in May when they revealed their decision to part ways after 14 years of marriage, and had initiated the “process of divorcing”.

It’s understood that Ruth has engaged the services of a high-profile lawyer, Catherine Costley, to handle the proceedings, with previous reports suggesting it could become “very, very tricky”.

Meanwhile, Closer magazine reported that what was once an “amicable” split has turned bitter, while Eamonn, 64, has been seen enjoying a luxurious cruise with his new girlfriend, Katie Alexander, 42, leaving Ruth reportedly “gobsmacked”.

However, a source has since told the publication that Ruth is beginning to navigate the world of dating again, albeit with some understandable apprehension.

 

Ruth Langsford is said to be keen to get back out there (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Wicked London Production Ltd)

They stated: “While Ruth’s making the most of being single, she’s also ready to dip her toe back into the dating pool – and after some friendly flirting, she’s given pals the go-ahead to set her up on dates.

“She’s really excited for that first date, and while she’s understandably nervous, she can’t wait for the tummy flutters of falling for someone again and experiencing all the ‘firsts’ with a new boyfriend.”

Katie and Eamonn have also recently visited Barcelona, where the GB News presenter was spotted with his arms around her.

They were later seen arriving at his bachelor pad in Kingston.

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes announced their split earlier this year (Image: Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)

Eamonn was reportedly left in a predicament when he returned to his former Surrey home, which he shared with Ruth Langsford, to gather some clothes for a cruise with Katie.

A source claimed that Ruth had removed the £2,000 stairlift that Eamonn had previously used to access the bedroom.

They suggested that Ruth “doesn’t need it” as she’s “super-fit and healthy”, but she was aware that Eamonn “probably would struggle” when he visited the house to collect items for his holiday.

ITV The Chase fans plead ‘stop’ over Bradley Walsh ‘annoying’ habit

Bradley Walsh was back at the helm of ITV’s The Chase as he welcomed four new players to take on a quizzer – but fans were annoyed with his hosting skills.

Bradley Walsh annoyed fans on The Chase (Image: ITV)

The Chase fans had some harsh words of advice for host Bradley Walsh as they tuned in to a brand new episode of the ITV quiz show this evening (September 25). The ever enthusiastic presenter annoyed viewers at home as they pleaded for him to “stop” after they picked up on a habit of his.

The 64-year-old ITV star welcomed four new players to the show. Lauren, originally from Canada, Marvin from Stourbridge, Jodie from Nottingham and Adrian from Newark-on-Trent worked as a team as they answered general knowledge questions to try and build a cash pot.

The four of them went head to head with genius quizzer Darragh Ennis, also known as ‘The Menace’. As the contestants answered quick fire questions, Bradley couldn’t help but give his own thoughts.

Multiple times throughout the show the host shared what answers he would have gone with – Much to the dismay of viewers at home, who pleaded with him to “stick to hosting”.

Flooding social media with complaints, viewers at home shared their thoughts. On X/Twitter, one user wrote: “Stop pretending you know the answers Bradley when you obviously don’t #TheChase.”

 

Bradley welcomed four new players to ITV’s The Chase (Image: ITV)

“Wish Brad would stop sharing what he would’ve went with… he’s always wrong too #TheChase,” another penned. While a third said: “#TheChase Brad should stick to hosting, not guessing, wrongly. [Facepalm emoji].”

Someone else noted: “Again, Brad, this is why you’re the host and not a contestant. #TheChase.”

Yesterday, in another new episode of the ITV show, fans were stunned to see an ‘Emmerdale star’ on their screens. As Bradley Walsh welcomed four new players to a brand new episode of the popular tea-time quiz show, viewers at home were conviced that one of the contestants was a famous face.

 

Fans pleaded for Brad to stick to presenting instead of trying to answer questions (Image: ITV)They took to social media as they pointed out that the resemblence between player one, Chris, and Emmerdale’s Liam Cavannagh (played by Jonny McPherson) was uncanny.

Posting to X/Twitter, one user wrote: “The first guy reminds me of doctor Liam on Emmerdale #thechase.” Another added: “Cmon seat one,” followed by a picture of the fictional medic.

Unfortunately, quizzing was not Chris’ star quality and he was unfortunately caught by the Chaser, being sent home empty handed.

Ruth Langsford has spoken about the “pain of empty nest syndrome” after son Jack left home for university and left Ruth clutching and ‘smelling his pillow’

Ruth Langsford has revealed she was traumatised when her son left home for university.

The TV presenter, who has son Jack, 20, with husband Eamonn Holmes, said the upheaval caught her by surprise.

The host of ITV ’s Loose Women added: “I truly understand the pain of empty nest syndrome.

“The day we dropped Jack off at university, we said goodbye and, as we got around the corner, I burst into tears and Eamonn was crying too.

“It sounds dramatic but for the next three days, I felt like I’d had my womb ripped out. It was physical pain.

“I was sitting on his bed, sniffing his pillow, and I kept his bedroom door shut because then I could imagine he was in there. Now it’s great. Jack seems so happy and I don’t get as upset each time he comes home and then leaves again.

Ruth Langsford has said she was ‘traumatised’ by her son leaving home

Ruth Langsford opens up about the pain of an empty nest
“I hope I’ve done a good job as a mum, but who knows? There’s no manual and it’s never over. I don’t care what Jack ends up doing as long as he’s happy.

“There’s too much pressure on youngsters these days, especially from helicopter parents who expect three A* A-levels. At 18, I had no clue what I wanted to do!

“I’ve told Jack, ‘You’ve got the whole of your life ahead of you. If you start this course and realise it’s not for you, never be scared to tell us’. University’s also a life experience.”

Ruth also said she and Eamonn may team up again on screen.

The pair, both 62, were axed as Friday hosts of ITV’s This Morning last month. Ruth told Woman & Home magazine: “I was very sad when This Morning ended. I miss the people, the regularity, working with Eamonn and the gang because I’d worked there for 18 years. But, I still have lots of other work and I am back for a week hosting with Rylan [Clark], who we call our TV son because we’re very close.

Eamonn Holmes, with his wife Ruth Langsford and his son Jack and daughter Rebecca (right) ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“Eamonn and I aren’t ruling out another long-term hosting gig. We love working together but when you’re a couple and working together, you fall out.

“Just because I’m married to Eamonn, doesn’t mean I agree with everything he says and vice versa.

“When people say ‘We’ve never had a cross word’, I think, ‘God, what a boring relationship you must have’.

“I’m sorry, I know that’s judgemental, but a) I don’t believe it and b) if it’s true, one of you is acquiescing to the other.”

Ruth Langsford is the cover star of Woman & Home

She said she was proud to be working on screen at 62 and that at her age it is about enjoying life.

A dedicated fitness fan – as revealed by her popular social media account – she said keeping her figure in trim was not all plain sailing.

She added: “These days I put on weight much more easily. I’ve a slightly underactive thyroid that’s not medicated, which makes it harder.

“I’m not ready to say, ‘To hell with it, I’m going to eat and drink what I want, and who cares what size I am?’ It’s about trying to find a balance. I try to eat healthily, and take my breakfast, a green juice and my lunch to work, otherwise I end up eating rubbish all day.

“Feeling fabulous is partly about how you look but also about feeling fabulous in your relationship, friendships, career and social life. At this age, it’s about enjoying life. We can compare ourselves to others but what’s the point?”

The October issue of Woman & Home is available from September 1.