Eamonn Holmes and his girlfriend Katie Alexander first exchanged affectionate messages on social media 12 years ago.

According to The Sun The British news presenter, 64, and the relationship therapist, 42, were both married at the time and the messages initially included her husband, George.

In 2012, Katie’s former partner joked that he thought his wife was “flirting” with Eamonn, but as the pair shared a love of Manchester United, he joked: “Good job, we’re all two reds.

The couple have since gone public with their relationship and embarked on a £15,000 Mediterranean cruise in September, with Katie sharing leggy snaps from their trip on social media.

Eamonn and Loose Women star Ruth Langsford, also 64, announced plans to divorce in June after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together.

Eamonn Holmes, 64, and his girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, first exchanged affectionate messages on social media 12 years ago (pictured together in September)

The couple have since gone public with their relationship and embarked on a £15,000 Mediterranean cruise in September (pictured)

Katie shared a host of leggy snaps from their trip on social media

Reports later revealed she was left “devastated” when she discovered “messages from another woman” on his laptop.

A source told The Sun: “We knew Eamonn and Katie met through social media, but no one knew how far back they went.

“Ruth will be shocked that they were in contact 12 years ago. I don’t think she would have known.

“Eamonn enjoys responding to fan messages. He and Katie had a real connection, and it blossomed into something more.

It comes after Ruth spoke candidly about her heartbreak amid her divorce. with Woman & Home in which she revealed that heartbreak was her biggest fear, but not for her, instead fearing that her son Jack, 22, would be heartbroken.

When asked what she “desired most in life,” Ruth confessed: “Happiness.” Happiness to my son, Jack.

“When you have kids, you watch them start out in life and you just want everything to go well for them and be happy and not be heartbroken. You can’t guarantee any of that, but that’s what I want most for Jack.

Ruth shares Jack with Eamonn and is also stepmother to his children Declan, 35, Rebecca, 32, and Niall, 30, from his first marriage to ex-wife Gabrielle.

Reportedly, the British news presenter and relationship therapist were both married at the time and the messages initially included her then-husband George (Katie pictured in September).

She enjoyed fresh fruit and champagne during the trip

A source said: “We knew Eamonn and Katie met through social media, but no one knew how far back they went.

Eamonn and Loose Women star Ruth Langsford, also 64, announced plans to divorce in June after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together (2021 photo)

Jack came back into the conversation as he was asked who or what his greatest love was.

She reflected: “My beautiful son Jack, who is the most charming, caring, wonderful young man. After him, it will be my Maggie, our rescue dog.

“I thought I never wanted a dog. I didn’t know I could love an animal as much as I do, but I do.

Ruth and Eamonn adopted the Border Collie in 2011 and are currently in the middle of a custody battle over the dog – who is considered a “second child” to them.

Finally, Ruth was asked about her “plan B” in life, to which she replied: “I don’t have a plan B because I’ve never had a plan A. Ever!”

Ruth and Eamonn continued to wear their wedding rings amid their split.

While Ruth is reportedly single, Eamonn has moved on with relationship therapist Katie.

The presenter recently opened up about her heartbreak, her “no plan B” and her “greatest love” in a candid chat amid her divorce from Eamonn.

Ruth revealed heartbreak was her biggest fear, but not for her, instead fearing her son Jack, 22, would be heartbroken

It was reported last month that Ruth has hired a “fierce” divorce lawyer amid this bitter breakup.

As The Sun reports, Catherine Costley has been called by Ruth, who is seeking a financial settlement.

Ms Costley is known for her fierce approach to divorce settlements and has said all women should have a “go-to” fund when they leave a relationship, according to The Sun.

The divorce lawyer was once apprenticed to ‘Steel Magnolia’ Baroness Fiona Shackleton, Britain’s most high-profile divorce lawyer who represented Charles during his separation from Diana in 1996.

Baroness Shackleton has also worked with A-list stars including Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher and Madonna, and was once doused with water in court by a furious Heather Mills while representing the Beatles legend in the divorce from couple in 2008.