Eamonn Holmes, 64, is appearing to ignore recent comments made by Ruth Langsford’s friends regarding her hurt over his friendship with another woman

Eamonn Holmes has brushed off comments from Ruth Langsford’s pals about her “hurt” over his friendship with another woman by posting about his favourite Irish romance.

It comes as Ruth, 64, is set to take a break from ITV’s Loose Women for the rest of the month as she struggles with the split and fallout. She is said to be upset over the discovery that, in the wake of their separation, her husband Eamonn, 64, is being consoled by another woman with whom he’s been on a string of outings.

Taking to Instagram, Eamonn posted a photo from 1952 classic The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. He wrote: “Probably my favourite film ever. A Romantic view of Ireland. Amazingly released 72 years ago.”

His followers quickly took to their comments to share their appreciation of the film, with one writing: “They just don’t make films like that anymore . I’ve read that Maureen was his favourite leading lady and I can see why.” While another commented: “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.”

It comes after Eamonn and Ruth’s relationship was dubbed unmendable by pals, who say that there is “no chance” of the pair reconciling. It has been suggested that a large part of the reason is the revelation that Eamonn, 64, is being consoled by a blonde divorcee in her 40s.

Eamonn and his lady friend are believed to have met while she was working as a relationship counsellor and have struck up a friendship over the past couple of years. He is said to have taken her out to a number of venues including a trip in February to a safari park, plus a Manchester United game, Centre Parcs and a Beyonce gig. Eamonn is said to have grown close to the woman over the past year.

An insider close to Eamonn said earlier this month that the woman is “bowled over by being lavished with attention and kindness from him”.

Ruth is believed to have not known about their day trips until recently and it has been described as a key factor in their decision to call time on their relationship. She has also been left “deeply upset” over suggestions that she’s walked away from her marriage because of Eamonn’s ongoing health woes.

“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,” a source told the Mirror.