RUTH'S HEARTBREAK
TV presenter Ruth Langsford’s sister Julia Johnson has been found dead at home.
The This Morning and Loose Women star is “distraught” after she received the shock news on Monday that her elder sister Julia, 62, had passed away suddenly.
Devastated Ruth - wife of Eammon - has since cancelled all TV appearances until further notice with friends saying she is too upset to return to work.
Writing on Twitter today, Ruth said: "My lovely sis Julia has sadly died after a very long illness. My heart is completely broken.
"She was the kindest and most gentle soul and I will miss her forever. As I am sure you will appreciate I need to take time to grieve with my family. Thank you for your understanding."
Eamonn Holmes is expected to host Friday's This Morning without her and plans to pay tribute to his sister-in-law.
A source told The Sun Online: “Ruth is utterly heartbroken and devastated to have found out her beloved sister Julia has died.
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“She adored Julia. They were very close – speaking all the time on the phone and enjoying girls’ days out.
“Julia had been unwell for quite some time but this has shaken Ruth to the core.
“Eammon and son Jack are comforting her at home but Ruth is in deep shock. It’s absolutely heartbreaking for the whole family.”
Julia, 62, had been suffering with depression for a number of years.
The landscape gardener who lived in Surrey with husband Paul and daughter Katie, 35, had spoken publicly about her battle with the illness and revealed how supportive Ruth had been, letting her stay at her home and helping with her confidence.
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Speaking in an interview in 2010, Julia said: “Ruth has been really supportive. I’d phone her in tears and go stay with her.
"She encourages me to have more confidence in myself and when I’m trying to do too much she has taught me to say no and look after myself a bit more. She’s the best sister anyone could have.”
The source added: “They were very close and Julia would help with looking after their elderly mother Joan. Ruth would help her as much as she could.”
Many of Ruth's celebrities friends, including Coleen Nolan, Gemma Atkinson, Lisa Snowdon and Martine McCutcheon rushed to pay tribute.
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Loose Women star Coleen, 54, wrote simply: " 💔Xxx" while Strictly's Gemma, 34, said: "I’m so sorry Ruth 😞 Sending lots of love to you all ❤️❤️ ."
Former EastEnders star Martine, 43, said: "Thinking of you darling. So sorry to hear of loss. Sending you so much love 💔."
Lisa, 47, posted: "Oh Ruth. I’m so so sorry for your loss. Truly heartbreaking, sending you so much love and strength at this incredibly sad time. Hugs when I see you next ❤️."
Melanie Sykes, 48, added: "Oh Ruth I’m so sorry x sending you so much love xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx."
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Surrey Police this afternoon issued a statement concerning Julia's "unexplained" death.
They said: "We were called to an address in Lingfield on 16 June following reports of a concern for safety.
"Officers attended and found that a woman in her 60s had sadly died.
"We are treating the death as unexplained, but do not believe at this stage that there was anyone else involved. A file will be prepared and passed to the coroner."
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