The pregnant girlfriend of Strictly star Helen Skelton’s ex-husband has defended their relationship, and begged people to “stop judging her”.
Stephanie Thirkill and Richie Myler revealed their baby news on Instagram this week – just nine months after the Leeds Rhinos rugby ace welcomed a third child with his wife Helen, 39.
Richie, 32, is said to have told his presenter ex before going public. A pal of Stephanie’s last night insisted she had “nothing but respect for Helen”.
The friend said: “She has told me, ‘It’s upsetting that anyone could be judging me when I am so early on in pregnancy. I want to be able to enjoy this time without it being tarnished as I’ve always dreamed of being a mum.
“I have never meant to cause any upset to Helen but I do feel I’m being painted as some sort of horrible person.”
The pal went on: “Steph has kept a dignified silence but is very upset by some of the social media comments that have made her out as some sort of marriage-wrecker when she is nothing of the sort”
The friend also confirmed Stephanie only recently passed the 12-week point of her pregnancy.
As Helen made her Strictly debut last month, topping the leaderboard with her American smooth, 32-year-old Stephanie watched while Richie lost the Super League Grand Final to St Helens.
Countryfile host Helen and Richie announced their eight-year marriage was over in April – just four months after their daughter Elsie was born. They are also parents to sons Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.
After their split, Richie quickly started a romance with marketing executive Stephanie. Her father Andrew – who is Leeds Rhinos’ president – is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds, thought to be worth around £175million.
Stephanie’s pal says she and Richie became friends in March and their romance then blossomed. The couple have since gone public on social media and recently enjoyed a romantic break in Cornwall.
The friend added: “At nearly 33, Steph didn’t want to wait too long to have kids. She never expected it to happen as quickly as it has but she is so excited and really just wishes to be left alone to enjoy her pregnancy.
“Lots of couples split and go on to start new relationships, yet she is feeling judged by others who simply don’t know her because so much is being made of how soon her and Rich started a relationship.
“Her and Rich are very much in love. There was instant chemistry and Steph is so excited because she knows Rich will be a great dad to their child as he’s such a great dad to his three.”
Richie is said to be “thrilled” that he is expecting a child with Stephanie and is keeping “cordial relations” with ex Helen. He hinted online at his forthcoming new arrival after his Grand Final loss on September 24, posting: “Finished this season as a family.”
At the time of his split from Helen, reports suggested that Richie had walked out on the family, leaving the TV presenter devastated.
Helen later posted a statement online that said: “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.”
She hasn’t let her sadness show on Strictly though as she continues to impress both fans and judges with her fancy footwork.
Helen, who has been partnered with Spanish pro dancer Gorka Márquez, 32, is among the favourites to take home the coveted Glitterball this year. Last night, the pair performed a sultry Paso Doble to Tamacun by Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Speaking about what made her decide to take part in the show, Helen said: “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.”
