Loose Women star Ruth Langsford has been absent from the ITV show for a while and her co-star Coleen Nolan made a cheeky jibe about her break from the programme

Ruth had taken some time out from the popular ITV show following her unexpected parting with husband, Eamonn Holmes.

The two, who had been married for 14 years, stunned many by announcing their separation this year.

A joint statement distributed by their representatives confirmed the news: “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”

Following their split, Ruth rejoined the discussion panel, staying for a brief period before taking some pre-planned leave.

On today’s episode, as they touched on upcoming segments, Ruth hesitated to find the right term for her thoughts.

Seizing the moment, Coleen quickly supplied the word, earning thanks from Ruth. Not missing a beat, Coleen then quipped about Ruth having “been off for a while,” reports the Mirror.

Ruth returned to Loose Women last month after a break following her split. During her comeback show, she greeted viewers saying, “Welcome to your first Loose Women of the week, it’s great to have your company! ” A supportive Coleen interjected, expressing her delight at Ruths return: “Can I just say? I am so so happy that you’re back!”

The Loose Women studio erupted in cheers when Janet Street Porter exclaimed: “Thank god! Thank god! I was left with her and her! ” to which Ruth apologised, saying, “I’m sorry, Janet. I won’t do it again,” amidst talks of her taking an extended hiatus.

Since the incident, a variety of subjects have been broached on the show, though Eamonn Holmes hasn’t specifically come up in discussion. One particular topic revolved around cutting ties with toxic acquaintances, as Ruth introduced by questioning, “A journalist said today that female friends are too toxic to bother with and she says that women can be too catty, overly sensitive and competitive over everything from marriage to body shape. Is she right? “

Myleene Klass firmly disagreed, arguing, “I think it’s so lazy to make that kind of comment. It’s just women being put against women and it’s never done to men. I couldn’t disagree more because my girlfriends are my absolute rock through divorce, miscarriage and everything. I call them my 4am because there are some girlfriends I know I can rely on to ring at 4am. I had one girlfriend who knocked on my door at 2am because she didn’t hear from me.”

Continuing the conversation, Ruth noted, “We suffer it on Loose Women where people always try to say ‘Aw the Loose Women are always falling out’ or ‘you can’t all get on’. It’s almost as if people can’t accept that a woman can get along with a woman. I’m not saying there can’t be catty women, but there are also catty men and b****y men too.”