Ruth Langsford has opened up about the poignant emotions she experiences during Christmas, amid her mother's ongoing health battle.The presenter's 94-year-old mum Joan suffers from Alzheimer's disease and resides in a care facility near Ruth's home.

While she receives excellent care from the professionals, the 65-year-old handles all her mother's personal requirements, such as accompanying her to medical consultations and managing shopping errands.

Conscious of her mum's advanced age and condition, Ruth ensures Christmas is extra special and cherishes each precious moment they share together.

The Loose Women presenter understands just how valuable time truly is, having faced two devastating deaths within her family over the years.

In 2012, her father died from dementia-related complications and seven years later, her sister Julia took her own life after a battle with depression.

Though the holiday season brings painful reminders of her late loved ones, she holds dear the remaining time with Joan.

"I confess I do make every Christmas extra special," she revealed to Woman Magazine.

"I speak a lot about my lovely mum and about the battle she is facing, so every year with her is a privilege."

Revealing her festive arrangements, Ruth added: "I will spend the big day with family. I always do the cooking which I really enjoy. At Christmas I particularly miss my dad.

"I don't know how many more Christmases she [her mum] might have and I value every bit of time I have with her."

Ruth will also be cherishing precious moments this festive season with her 23-year-old son Jack, whom she shares with her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes.

The duo revealed their separation after 14 years of marriage last year, shocking fans with the announcement.

He has subsequently begun a relationship with his new partner Katie Alexander, while Ruth is believed to be single.

Despite her split from Eamonn, the Loose Women presenter said she does her best to "keep the traditions alive" at her home.

"Even though Jack is grown up, I love to keep the traditions alive. [I still do] stockings, loads of decorations and Christmas games. Christmas is magical, no matter what age you are," she revealed.

Moving forward from her period of difficult times, Ruth revealed she is the "happiest" she's felt in ages.

Commenting on her career commitments, the mother-of-one voiced appreciation for the "fantastic opportunities" she's had so far.

The broadcaster is a regular presence on QVC, a host on Loose Women, and previously served as a weekly presenter on This Morning alongside Eamonn.

When recently questioned about potentially returning to the ITV programme with her "TV son" Rylan Clark, she responded: "If they'd have me, they only have to ask, especially with Rylan!

"I love Rylan. He's like my son, really. We adore each other, and we've worked together before, so who knows?".

Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV and ITVX