Ruth Langsford broke down in tears on This Morning while talking about her late father’s battle with dementia.
The ITV presenter was interviewing Emmerdale star John Middleton alongside her hubby Eamonn Holmes, when she became very emotional.
The soapstar was on the show today to discuss his character’s battle with dementia, when Ruth likened the storyline to real life situations which occurred with her father.
Ruth’s dad sadly passed away in 2012, at the age of 57, following a battle with Alzheimers.
During the segment on This Morning, she said, “Scenes like that really hit home for me, as someone who watched a family member suffer. So many things hit true.
“That money scene really spoke to me as my dad – a very bright man – would hold out his hand and say ‘take what you want’ as he didn’t understand money anymore.
“It is really hard to understand the person struggling with dementia. My dad was there in body, the shell of my dad, but his mind wasn’t there. He had no idea who I was and it was so painful.
“It has been brilliant on Emmerdale – it’s been a brilliant long storyline, as for most people it is a slow process. Obviously for some people it is sadly a faster deterioration, but for most it isn’t. I appreciate that you’ve done this slow burn.
“What really struck home with me in tonight’s episode is the fear that your portrayed. I used to see that in his eyes a lot. I would like to say thank you from families because it’s not every day that this gets represented well and you have actually done that.”
Eamonn tried to comfort his teary-eyed wife, but she simply said, “I’m fine but I do get a bit upset when I talk about my dad. It is a massive issue and I’m glad that we are talking more about it.”
