Ruth Langsford's 'new sense of purpose' as she flees UK before first Xmas without Eamonn

Ruth Langsford's trip to Australia for the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! spin-off show will be "therapeutic" and beneficial for her personal healing journey, according to Jesper Jensen from ExpertsEnAmour.

The 64-year-old was seen beaming at London's Heathrow airport yesterday, before her long flight, which is due to arrive in Brisbane today.

Ruth is set to appear on the Down Under show this Friday, showing support for her Loose Women colleagues GK Barry and Jane Moore. Relationship expert Jesper believes that, in addition to supporting her ITV friends, the trip could provide her with a new-found confidence, following her split from Eamonn Holmes.

The pair announced their separation and impending divorce in May after 14 years of marriage. While Ruth's Australian adventure is temporary, Jesper suggests that focusing on a new project away from home could be "therapeutic" amidst recent media attention.

"Focusing on a new challenge can be incredibly therapeutic after a divorce,” he shared. "Getting stuck into work, especially something exciting like this, could give Ruth a new sense of purpose and confidence.

"It won't fix everything overnight, but being busy and trying new things can be a great way to start moving forward emotionally and rebuilding after such a big change," he added to Reach PLC.

Before her flight took off, the mother-of-one shared a glimpse of her journey with fans on Instagram.

Ruth has so far posted a picture of her three suitcases, playfully remarking that she "never could travel light". She went on to bid farewell to London's dreary weather while enjoying some champagne.

After completing her first stop over in Dubai, she is expected to land in her final destination imminently. Ruth's journey comes following reports that she is apprehensive about her first solo Christmas in many years, while Eamonn is expected to spend the festive season with his new partner Katie Alexander.

An insider revealed to OK! Magazine: "Ruth is dreading Christmas coming up, because it will be her first one apart from Eamonn - who could be spending it with his new partner.

"This Christmas means creating different memories."

The source added: "Ruth and Eamonn are positively co-parenting Jack (their 22 year old son), but he's at the age where he might want to do something different at Christmas, and that's worrying Ruth."