Ruth Langsford fights back tears as she discusses her father’s battle with Dementia ahead of special Emmerdale episode
The star was joined by Emmerdale star John Middleton
THIS Morning host Ruth Langsford became upset on Tuesday morning's show and she spoke about the struggle of watching her late father battle with Dementia.
The television presenter turned guest on the show as her husband Eamonn Holmes interviewed her alongside Emmerdale actor John Middleton.
John was on This Morning to discuss his character Ashley's current story line in which he battles with the disease, ahead of the soap's special dementia episode airing on Tuesday night.
Ruth sat alongside the actor to speak from a family member's point of view after her father passed away at the age of 57 in 2012 after his battle with Alzheimers (the most common cause of dementia).
After the segment, Ruth became teary-eyed while her husband comforted her.
She admitted: "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."
The chat started with Eamonn stressing how great it was that John was starring in such an educational subject as John explained: "Tonight's episode will be different because we will try to show the world how Ashley sees the world. You get to see the distorted view he has because of the disease.
"At one point, he think he is fully clothed but everyone else can see he is in pyjamas."
Ruth added: "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."
John continued: "It is important for people to help. Don't just make assumptions, try and help."
Ruth explained: "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."
John added: "Hopefully the audience who have been watching will see how the change has been happening with Ashley."
Ruth couldn't help but praise the storyline as she added: "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."
She concluded: "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."
Looking at Ruth, John replied, “That’s the best award I could possibly imagine or ask for, thank you.”
Fans flocked to Twitter to show their support as one wrote: "Poor Ruth, could see she was pretty choked up but the end of the interview. Don't know how she kept it together #ThisMorning."
Another added: "#ThisMorning WELL DONE This MORNING. I have nursed people with dementia and it's heartbreaking for all involved. Ruth Ur wonderful x"
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