During the latest episode of Loose Women, host Christine Lampard paid tribute to her co-star, Ruth Dodsworth, who recently received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) from King Charles. This honor was awarded for her significant contributions to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. The recognition came during an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on December 9, 2023.
As the show commenced on December 10, Christine took a moment to highlight Ruth’s courageous journey and her advocacy work. She shared this heartfelt message with viewers and the studio audience, stating, “Firstly, we are starting the show with a huge congratulations to ITV weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth, who received an OBE from the king yesterday for her services to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.”
Christine was joined by panelists Coleen Nolan, Myleene Klass, and Jane Moore, who all expressed their admiration for Ruth’s bravery. Jane, who had spent time with Ruth recently, described her as an “incredibly brave woman” who has effectively used her platform to aid others. Jane recounted, “She went through hell and back with an ex, and she now very bravely talks about it a lot to help other women.”
Ruth Dodsworth endured nearly ten years of coercive control from her former husband, who was sentenced to three years in prison in 2021 for stalking and coercive control. Her experiences have fueled her commitment to raising awareness about domestic abuse, aiming to inspire others trapped in similar situations. Jane emphasized the importance of Ruth’s voice, noting that public figures sharing their stories can help others realize they are not alone.
In response to her OBE recognition, Ruth expressed gratitude and humility. “It feels all a bit surreal and completely unbelievable, and I’m over the moon. It’s just the biggest honour I think I have ever had in my entire life,” she said. Ruth further elaborated on the significance of the award, stating, “This is not just for me; this is for my family, my friends, and everybody who has been on this very strange journey that I’ve been on.”
Ruth has become a passionate advocate for domestic abuse survivors, collaborating with various charities to empower others to come forward. She underscored the ongoing importance of discussing domestic abuse, emphasizing, “I’m going to use it wisely, and then hopefully one day we won’t have to talk about domestic abuse because it won’t be an issue anymore.”
The episode concluded with Christine reiterating her congratulations to Ruth, reflecting the show’s supportive environment. Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30 PM on ITV1 and ITVX, making it a staple for audiences seeking engaging discussions on current topics.
