The 57-year-old This Morning presenter danced her socks off during her eight weeks on the BBC series, but suffered a disappointing exit alongside her professional partner Anton du Beke on Sunday's show. 

Ruth Langsford's fellow ITV host and husband of seven years Eamonn, 57, has admitted that watching her continually struggle eventually became too much to bear and he asked her to walk out. 

Asked if he'd encouraged his partner to give up, the journalist admitted: "A number of times. And in that case I've been resolutely slapped down! 

"She said: 'No! Why would I do that?' I said: 'I'm worried about you. Is this all too much?'" 

"There are people who will have their opinions about whether Ruth should have lasted this long, but it's not just about the dancing," he added.

The TV star didn't hesitate in praising Anton, 51, for the way he "handled" his wife during the course of their gruelling training schedule on the show, even likening her to a horse.

"He's been wonderful with her," he explained. "He's read her correctly. Ruth is like a thoroughbred horse. You don't know how to approach it, whether it's going to kick you or lick you, and I think Anton has avoided the kicks!"

Eamonn went on to confess that the couple keep their marriage very separate from their working lives, adding that Ruth didn't have that problem with Anton.

"My professional relationship with Ruth is very volatile because she doesn't like partnerships, but with Anton, she gives him the respect he deserves. She's very comfortable and happy with him," he continued.

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One.