Ruth Langsford broke down in tears on Loose Women on Tuesday as she reflected on the heartbreaking moment she would have to say goodbye to her beloved dog, Maggie.
The Loose Women host was joined by panellists Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Frankie Bridge as they discussed pet bereavement.
Coronation Street's powerful storyline involving Evelyn Plumber, played by Maureen Lipman, having to make the difficult decision to put down her canine companion Cerberus, inspired the Loose Women discussion.
As Ruth described the storyline, she paused and said: "I can't bear it," as Coleen added: "Oh god you're actually going to cry. It's not even your dog, it's acting."
"I know," Ruth replied. "But you know I'm a massive Corrie fan."
The Loose Women host interrupted herself as she began to cry before Coleen explained: "That's because you're thinking of Maggie."
"Yes!" Ruth said. "I was watching it and Maureen Lipman has written today that the make up people in Corrie said to her, 'Do you need a tear stick to help you cry for the scene?' And she was like absolutely not because sadly she had to have her own dog, Diva put down."
"I can't see through the tears here," Ruth quipped as she wiped her eyes before adding: "She said it brought it all back of having to make that awful decision.
"My little Maggie is about 13, she's a bit grey," the host said before Coleen stepped in.
The Nolans singer asked: "Shall we talk about something else?"
Coleen added: "I feel a bit bad talking about mine and not crying. Anyone who doesn't have a dog, doesn't get it they're family."
"I didn't get it before I had Maggie," Ruth admitted before saying she "can't bear" thinking about losing her beloved canine companion.
Coleen, Janet and Frankie all spoke about how important their pet dogs and how tough losing an animal can be.
As the discussion came to a close, Coleen got up to hug Ruth who remarked: "Don't you'll make me worse!"
Ruth and her husband Eamonn Holmes adopted their dog 13 years ago from the charity Dogs Trust after the GB News presenter got involved with a charity open day.
Loose Women airs on ITV on weekdays at 12.30pm.
