Eamonn Holmes' female friend who he has 'grown close to' says she's 'in it for long-haul'

The woman who has been supporting Eamonn Holmes through his split from Ruth Langsford has reportedly told friends that she is in it for “the long haul”.

The GB News broadcaster, 64, has been spotted on a number of outings with relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, 42, over the last 12 months, including being pictured at his home.

While Holmes and Langsford only announced their split last month, their marriage is said to have been over for some time.

Ms Alexander is reportedly concerned about being labelled a “marriage wrecker”, an insider has claimed that their friendship has “grown in recent months”.

They told the Mirror: "She is helping Eamonn through the tough times but doesn't want to be seen as a marriage wrecker. The friendship has grown in recent months but Eamonn's marriage has been over for some time. She wants to help Eamonn with his situation and their friendship has grown over a period of time. She feels she will be close to him for a long period and is in this for the long haul."

Loose Women panelist Langsford, 64, sent ripples through the showbiz world when she announced that she and Holmes, both 64, were planning to divorce after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together.

Issuing a joint statement, a spokesperson for the former couple - who share one grown-up son - said: "Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing."

Holmes and Langsford worked together for years on ITV's This Morning show and were well known for their affectionate bickering, which often happened right in front of the cameras.