EXCLUSIVE: Rylan Clark’s untold role in helping ‘save’ Ruth Langsford after ‘worst phone call ever’

Ruth Langsford bravely discusses the moments around her sister’s suicide in her new book

View 3 Images

Ruth Langsford and Rylan Clark have been close friends for a number of years(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Ruth Langsford has told how Rylan Clark played an crucial role in helping when her sister Julia took her own life. Devastated TV host Ruth was at home in 2019 when she found out the tragic news that Julia had died at the age of 62.

Her husband at the time Eamonn Holmes was away in Belfast meaning only her son Jack was home at the time, but thankfully Rylan came to the rescue. In her new book, Feeling Fabulous, Ruth writes how she received “the worst phone call I have ever had” with the news her sister had died.

Article continues below

138340198666

She goes on to write: “The next couple of hours were a total blur. I must have been wailing because Jack, my then sweet-sixteen-year-old son, was suddenly there with his arms around me and was hugging tightly. Perhaps he took the phone out of my hand. I don’t remember what happened, but I will never forget the feeling of devastation that overwhelmed me. I thought about Julia, her husband, her daughter, and then I thought, oh God, my poor mum. She still didn’t know. Eamonn was away in Belfast at the time. Jack called him and I could hear him telling his dad not to worry and that he was with me.

Article continues below

138205441828

“Eamonn was trying to book the earliest return flight he could, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to get back that night, so he called Rylan, a close friend of ours, and told him what had happened. Eamonn asked if Rylan could call me and keep me talking so that he could get in touch with my girlfriends and see if they could get over to me. I don’t remember much of that conversation with Rylan, but I just knew he was there and I will be forever grateful for that phone call.”

She then goes on to say how friends Lucy and Louise were soon at her door despite it being late at night and were able to console her following Rylan’s calming words.

View 3 Images

Ruth Langsford with her new book

View 3 Images

Ruth Langsford returned to This Morning earlier this week to talk about memoir.(Image: Nicky J Sims/Getty Images)

Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge, plus selected offers and competitions

Subscribe

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info

READ MORE: Ruth Langsford admits ‘dark’ time after Eamonn Holmes split but ‘will survive’READ MORE: Ruth Langsford drops marriage bombshell as she moves on from Eamonn Holmes

Ruth wears the bracelet she gave to Julia when she was her bridesmaid every day to help stay connected to her sister. She also pays tribute to her sister Julia in her book, writing: “She was smart, creative and amazing. She couldn’t see it and was uncomfortable with compliments, but I told her all the time how great she was. She was the most fantastic cook and baked the best cakes. Whenever I smell Clinique Aromatics now, it reminds me of her because it was her favourite perfume. She was an intuitive gardener. She was curious, clever, funny and self-deprecating, often to her detriment. She was part of a women’s swimming club and the sailing club and made great friends at both. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife and a devoted mother.”

TV host Rylan also gets further praise later in the book. In a section where she is talking about confidence, she says: “I am an enthusiastic cheerleader for younger presenters like my wonderful friend Rylan, who I hugely admire – I think he’s a bit of a genius, actually. I wonder if he and his generation feel imposter syndrome like I did? I would love to hear their take on it.”

Earlier this week Ruth spoke to the Mirror about publishing her first book.

Article continues below

138205441642

Asked for her advice for being positive and ‘feeling fabulous’ going forward, she says: “I always say, surround yourself with fabulous people. Don’t have toxic people in your life, if you can help it, surround yourself with people who support you, have fun, make yourself say yes to things.

“And I’ve started to do that more and more. It’s very easy to stay at home. And when you go out and you try something new, it can surprise you, and just sometimes, sitting on a Friday night with the takeaway curry for one watching Coronation Street makes me feel fabulous. So find your own fabulous, you’ll know what it is.”

*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch