Ruth Langsford has spoken about the bittersweet feelings she has around Christmas, amid her mum's ongoing health battle. The presenter's 94-year-old mum Joan has Alzheimer's disease and lives in a care home close to Ruth's house.

Although she is well cared for, the 65-year-old manages all of her personal needs, including attending her mum's medical appointments and handling any shopping requests.

Mindful of her mum’s age and health, Ruth says she makes Christmas extra special and treasures every moment they spend together.

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The Loose Women star is well aware of how precious time is, having endured two periods of grief in her family over the years.

Back in 2012, her father sadly died from dementia-related complications and her sister, Julia, took her own life after struggling with depression seven years later.

While the festive season makes her miss her late loved ones, she treasures the time she still has with Joan.

"I confess I do make every Christmas extra special," she told Woman Magazine. "I speak a lot about my lovely mum and about the battle she is facing, so every year with her is a privilege."

Spilling on her plans for the festive period, Ruth continued: "I will spend the big day with family. I always do the cooking which I really enjoy. At Christmas I particularly miss my dad.

"I don't know how many more Christmases she [her mum] might have and I value every bit of time I have with her."

Ruth will also be embracing quality time with her 23-year-old son Jack, who she shares with her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes.

The pair announced their split after 14 years of marriage last year, leaving fans shocked by the news. He has since moved on with his new partner Katie Alexander, while Ruth is thought to be single.

Though she and Eamonn are separated, the Loose Women regular said she does her best to "keep the traditions alive" at her home.

"Even though Jack is grown up, I love to keep the traditions alive. [I still do] stockings, loads of decorations and Christmas games.
Christmas is magical, no matter what age you are," she shared.

Moving on from her years of tough times, Ruth said she is the "happiest" she's been in a long time.

Reflecting on her career plans, the mother-of-one expressed gratitude for the "fantastic opportunities" she's been given, showing no signs of slowing down.

The presenter is a regular face on QVC, an anchor on Loose Women, and was also once a weekly presenter on This Morning with Eamonn.

Recently asked if she'd make a return to the ITV show with her "TV son" Rylan Clark, she said: "If they’d have me, they only have to ask, especially with Rylan!

"I love Rylan. He's like my son, really. We adore each other, and we've worked together before, so who knows?".

Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV and ITVX