Ruth: ‘You are left with the what-ifs…’
Recalling her sister’s suicide, Ruth Langsford broke down in tears discussing the shock death of Caroline Flack…
ThisMorning viewers were left heartbroken last week as Ruth Langsford opened up about the fresh pain Caroline Flack’s suicide had brought her.
Co-hosting the show with husband, Eamonn Holmes, Ruth had been discussing the shock death of the troubled former LoveIsland host on 15 February – when her emotions overwhelmed her.
As actress Nicola Thorp – who admitted she attempted suicide in 2012 – talked about
Caroline’s unexpected death, Ruth offered a very personal insight into her own feelings.
Seeming to refer to her sister, Julia Johnson, who took her own life last June, the 59-yearold said, ‘You believe you don’t have a choice. But you did have a choice. That’s the sad thing. But there are so many people left behind who say: “So many people loved you...You could have called me... You could have called Mum.”’
Then she broke down. Giving his wife a moment to wipe her eyes, Eamonn added, ‘Obviously this is so emotive...’
Moved viewers took to Twitter to send support. ‘It was a tough chat for Ruth this morning – bought a tear to my eye watching her start to cry during that interview,’ wrote one. Another added: ‘So sad watching @thismorning today! Just want to give Ruth a big hug.’
In the show, psychologist Emma Kenny explained ‘Suicide happens with a one-minute break from reality sometimes. A perfectly well person could find themselves in a very stressful situation and act in a way where they think there’s no way out.’
Agreeing, Ruth added, ‘This happened in my family. I just remember the shock… and the questions it leaves families. “I should have gone round, phoned, I was going to go round, I was going to phone.” You’re left with the what-ifs.’
Last November, a coroner ruled that Ruth’s sister, Julia, had taken her own life at her home in Surrey. She was found by her husband, Paul, who had returned from a visit to see the couple’s daughter.
Confirming the news on social media last June, Ruth wrote, ‘My heart is completely broken. She was the kindest and most gentle soul and I will miss her forever.’ l If you’ve been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
‘You believe you don’t have a choice. But you did, that’s the sad thing’