They struck-up a close friendship working on This Morning – with Rylan Clark dubbing Ruth Langford as one of the friends he could “count on one hand” and Ruth labelling Rylan her “showbiz son”.
And insiders say the former X Factor star, 35 – whose own divorce from ex-husband Dan Neal in 2021 left him suicidal – has been Ruth’s rock amid her marriage breakdown from husband Eamonn Holmes.
A source says, “Rylan’s been Ruth’s rock recently, picking her up when she’s been at her lowest, coaching her through the emotions, being on the other end of the phone whenever she’s needed him and generally being her crutch during one of the most difficult times in her life.
“This has been something Ruth’s been quietly navigating for a while behind the scenes and she credits Rylan for helping her get through some of the toughest times – not to mention lifting her spirits and helping her to focus on a happier future once this is over.”
Following the breakdown of his six-year marriage, the star was forced to take time out from work after “hitting rock bottom”.
Revealing how Ruth and Eamonn turned up at his house at his lowest ebb, he recalled, “I just remember breaking down and saying, ‘Get out, I don’t want to see anyone’. And they had driven two hours to get there… they did that because they cared about me. And I would do the same. Ruth and Eamonn are like my mum and dad.”
And pals say while Ruth is grateful not to be in the dark place her friend was, watching him come out the other side and start dating again has instilled her with hope of finding her own happily ever after.
The source adds, “With Rylan having been in Ruth’s shoes, it’s been extremely comforting for her to have the support of someone who knows exactly what she’s going through – especially going through it so recently himself. The pair have also planned some fun nights out on the town to let their hair down and take Ruth’s mind off things.
“She’s determined to get through this divorce as amicably as possible and to remain hopeful it’s not too late for her to settle down again.”
