Helen Skelton's ex-husband Richie Myler's new partner has begged people to "stop judging her" as she fears being painted as a "horrible person".
Stephanie Thirkill and Richie revealed earlier this week that they are expecting a baby.
Helen, who is currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing, already has three children with Leeds Rhinos rugby ace Richie.
Richie, 32, is said to have told his presenter ex before going public. A friend of Stephanie’s last night insisted she had "nothing but respect for Helen", according to the Mirror.
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 continued: "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".
She also confirmed that Stephanie has recently passed the 12-week point of her pregnancy.
After Helen made her first appearance on Strictly last month with partner Gorka, she topped the scoreboard with 32 points with her American Smooth.
Countryfile host Helen and Richie announced the end of their eight-year marriage back in April – just four months after their daughter Elsie was born. They are also parents to sons Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.
Following their split, Ritchie quickly became romantically involved with Stephanie, who is a marketing executive. Her father, who is president of the Leeds Rhinos, is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds - and it's reported he is 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 holiday 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 apparently "thrilled" at the prospect of becoming a dad again, 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."
After he split from Helen, it was reported that he had walked out from the family home, leaving his ex-wife devastated.
In an online statement, Helen 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."
However, she hasn't let it bring her down as she continues to wow the Strictly judges with her impressive moves.
Her and dance partner Gorka are amongst the favourites to take home the coveted Glitterball trophy this year. Last night, they performed a skilled Paso Doble to Tamacun by Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Speaking about why she decided 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."
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