Helen Skelton's estranged husband Richie Myler is expecting a baby with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill - who fell pregnant a month after the breakdown of his marriage, it has been reported.
Rugby player Richie ended his eight year marriage to Countryfile presenter Helen back in April this year, just fours months after she gave birth to their third child, daughter Elsie Kate. And now pals close to Richie, 32, say he is "thrilled" to be expecting a baby with Stephanie as their whirlwind romance goes from strength-to-strength, writes The Mirror.
Helen who is in the current series of Strictly Come Dancing with Gorka Marquez, was reportedly told of the news before Richie's new flame announced it on Instagram but is maintaining 'cordial relations' with her ex.
The ex couple also share sons Ernie, seven, and Louis, five. A mate of Richie's told The Sun the rugby player and Stephanie are extremely happy together.
“The timing of the pregnancy may raise a few eyebrows though. It is obviously such a huge step, and one made remarkably quickly off the back of Helen and Richie’s eight-year marriage ending.
"But Richie and Helen maintain cordial relations, and in a way the timing is actually perfect as Helen is so happy at the moment," they said.
The pal added: "She is loving every second of Strictly Come Dancing, and is far too busy — and probably knackered — to be worrying about her ex, accordingly, Richie didn’t think it would be a huge problem because they have both moved on with their lives."
Helen and Richie's reps have been approached for comment. Helen announced she and her husband are no longer together following an emotional statement on her Instagram story.
She wrote: "Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co parent our small children."
Richie's romance with Stephanie became public news weeks later. Stephanie, is the daughter of Andrew Thirkill, who is the multi-millionaire President of the Leeds Rhinos club Richie plays for and one of the richest businessmen in Leeds.
He has an estimated net worth of £175 million. Stephanie, 32, is a Rugby League fan and has followed in her father's footsteps to become a successful businesswoman.
As Helen made her Strictly debut last month, Richie shared a cosy photo of him with Stephanie. The dad posted to Instagram a snap of him with Stephanie and her multi-millionaire parents.
"Finished this season as a family," he wrote in the caption, along with a love heart. After her first time taking to the dance floor with partner Gorka, Helen took to Instagram to thank her family for their support.
"Grateful [..] to all the families holding down the fort behind the scenes…. We are grateful. "Pretty sure I will owe my parents Christmas in the Caribbean by time this is over," she posted after her first taste of the Strictly live shows.
Before the launch show, Countryfile star Helen said she hoped taking part would give her family a chance to see her smile again. "I just wanted to do something fun. It was a good chance for my family to see me smiling and it's a fun adventure," she explained.
“Anybody who's had anything to do with Strictly will say, the make-up people are the best, the costume people are the best, the set designers are the best, the dancers are the best."
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