Ruth Langsford in tears on This Morning as she recalls sister's suicide after Caroline Flack's death

The ITV presenter described how her family were affected by suicide 
Ted Hennessey17 February 2020
The Weekender

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Ruth Langsford broke down in tears on This Morning as she spoke about her sister’s suicide during a discussion following Caroline Flack’s death.

Television presenter Flack, 40, was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington, north east London, on Saturday. A lawyer for the family said she had taken her own life.

During a segment on the ITV show on Monday, Langsford was tearful as she explained how her own family had been affected by suicide.

Her sister, Julia Johnson, 62, who had battled depression, was found dead by her husband Paul at their home in Surrey in June 2019.

The ITV host, 59, told viewers that her sister had died "after a long illness", before an inquest ruled she had died by suicide.

Both Langsford and guest Nicola Thorp, a former Coronation Street star who appeared as a guest on the show, were emotional as they told how a person ending their own life is not a choice.

Thorp began: “A lot of people said she chose to end her life. Suicide is not a choice... suicide is something that happens when you do not have a choice left."

Agreeing, Langsford added: "You believe you don’t have a choice - that’s the sad thing.

"And that’s the sad thing for people left behind, who say 'so many people loved you, you did have a choice, you could have called me, you could have called mum'."

Thorp then continued: "Exactly, yes. Caroline had even spoken herself about the fact she felt like a burden.

"And I think it’s worth people knowing that is what’s going on in someone’s head who suffers from mental health issues, is that they feel like they’re a burden."

Caroline Flack was found dead at her home on Saturday
AP

Both of them then broke down and Thorp grabbed Langsford's hand, before the host wiped away tears.

Langsford's husband and co-presenter, Eamonn Holmes, then stepped in, telling audiences that the show's phone-in would focus on depression and anxiety, as his wife tried to fight back tears.

Earlier in the show, while speaking to psychologist Emma Kenny, Langsford also described the importance of Flack's family being provided with support to cope with their loss.

She said: "This happened in my family. I remember my shock at that. It’s the questions it leaves the families."

Ruth Langsford fought back tears during a discussion on suicide
ITV

Reeling off a list of questions family members may have, Langsford added: "I should have gone round. I should have phoned. I was going to go round. I was going to phone. Maybe I should have stayed longer...

"You are left with the 'what ifs'. It's her family now that think will need so much help."

Sharing a photo on Instagram alongside her sister last year, Langsford wrote: "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."

The host was praised on Twitter for her bravery
ITV

This Morning viewers praised Langsford on Twitter after this morning's show.

One viewer said: "Poor Ruth, this must be so difficult for her after losing her sister to suicide recently. I really feel for her."

Tributes have poured in for Flack, a former Love Island presenter.

Last year, she was charged with assault following a row with her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, which she had denied.

He wrote in a tribute: "I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don’t think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking."

He added: "I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday. ‘I love you with all my heart."

  • If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please contact the Samaritans on 116123 (free) or email jo@samaritans.org.

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