Who is Eamonn Holmes’ first wife and why did they split after 10 years of marriage?-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Eamonn was previously married to Gabrielle and shares three children with her (Picture: Pacemaker Press)

The British morning TV world was rocked when its golden couple, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, announced they were parting ways.

Over the weekend, the former This Morning presenters issued a joint statement revealing their decision to go their separate ways after 14 years of marriage, and more than 20 years together.

It is not the first time that Eamonn, 64, who shares 22-year-old son Jack with Ruth, also 64, has been through a break-up with a long-term wife. Before meeting Ruth he was married to another woman for a decade.

Here is everything you need to know about Eamonn’s first wife Gabrielle.

Who is Eamonn Holmes’ first wife?

Eamonn married Gabrielle Holmes in 1985 and the former couple called Belfast their home.

Eamonn and Gabrielle were together for nearly two decades (Picture: Pacemaker International Press)

They went on to have three children, Declan, 35, Rebecca, 33, and Niall, 31.

Little is known about Gabrielle, including her job and what she does now, as Eamonn kept her and their relationship out of the spotlight.

However, we do know that Gabrielle and Eamonn first met in the summer of 1976.

When did they divorce?

Eamonn and Gabrielle separated in 1994 because the broadcaster’s career took a toll on their marriage.

(Picture: Luke Walker/Getty Images)

In his 2008 memoir, This Is My Life: The Autobiography, he explained that their partnership deteriorated because they had a long-distance relationship.

Eamonn lived in London during the week as he worked for GMTV, while Gabrielle remained in Belfast.

The TV star wrote, according to the Daily Express: ‘We tended to be apart during the week because of my job, and I had no trouble with that – though Gabrielle obviously did.

Eamonn struck up a relationship with Ruth after splitting from Gabrielle (Picture: Indigo/Getty Images)

‘I always believed absence would make the heart grow fonder and, in fact, the commuting heightened my desperation for her, made the time less bearable and longer.’

Eamonn explained that his absence ‘gave my wife a life of her own, with her children, and come weekends I was intruding on it.’

In 1991, the broadcaster’s dad died and he said that he yearned for his wife – but noticed at that point how much they had grown apart.

He wrote: ‘Gabrielle was increasingly indifferent and I didn’t know why.

‘I needed her close, I needed her to reach me and ease my pain, but she had concerns of her own, principal of which was an impending birth.’

After their split three years later, Eamonn met Ruth through a GMTV colleague and struck up a relationship.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More