Ruth Langsford was forced to pull out of 'This Morning' on Friday (13.03.20) due to illness.

Ruth Langsford

Ruth Langsford

The 59-year-old television presenter was due to co-host the ITV daytime show with her husband Eamonn Holmes but was told to stay at home after falling sick with a mysterious illness amid fears about the spread of coronavirus in the UK.

Eamonn, 60, announced the news on Instagram along with a picture of Rochelle Humes, who replaced Ruth last minute.

He wrote: "In 4 Ruth. The Bad News is Ruth a bit under the weather today. The Good news is Rochelle and I will pair up again. A delightful friend and colleague and Always a joy to be around (sic)"

It comes after Ruth reportedly pulled out of her 'QVC' clothes show on Thursday night (12.03.20), disappointing many fans.

One replied to Eamonn's post: "Hope your better soon Ruth, missed you last night QVC."

Whilst two others echoed their thoughts: "Get well soon Ruth - it's not the same without you!"

And the other wrote: "Get well soon. My hubby's not well as well he's had flu 3 weeks ago and it's back."

The outbreak of Coronavirus - also known as COVID-19 - has now been declared a pandemic as it has spread from China all the way across Europe, and the respiratory illness has claimed thousands of lives.

Meanwhile, Eamonn opened up about how he has been "nursing" his wife through a "difficult year" following her sister's death in June.

He said: "It's been a very busy year for her and a very difficult year for her. So our concern is just to nurse her through the year and make sure she's OK."

Julia - who battled depression for several years - was found dead at age 62, by her husband Paul at their home in Surrey last summer.

After discovering the devastating news, Ruth took to Twitter to ask for time to grieve.

A post on Twitter read: "My lovely Sis Julia has sadly died after a very long illness. My heart is completely broken. She was the kindest and most gentle soul and I will miss her forever. As I am sure you will appreciate I need to take time to grieve with my family. Thank you for your understanding."

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