Helen Skelton's estranged husband and Leeds Rhinos player, Richie Myler, has paid tribute to his pregnant girlfriend, Stephanie Thirkall, as he reflects on the 2022 season coming to an end.
Richie shared a series of snaps from the rugby season with his 19.8k Instagram followers including a video of his girlfriend, Stephanie, kissing him on the cheek alongside several other snaps with his team mates.
He captioned the post: "What an experience! Memories for a lifetime with a great group, 2022 season over and out." Stephanie, who is the daughter of Leeds Rhinos president, Andrew Thirkill, was amongst the first to comment.
Read more: Strictly's Helen Skelton admits end of marriage to Richie Myler left her 'battle-hardened'
The businesswoman, from Leeds, expressed her pride but also had a special request to make, she penned: "Can we stop listening to Irish music now? Proud of you xxx", Richie replied: "Hahaha no chance" alongside a string of kissing emojis.
It comes shortly after the new couple announced they were expecting their first child together last month. Richie's friends have said he's "thrilled" to be expecting with Stephanie as their newfound romance continues.
The rugby player, 32, broke up with ex-Blue Peter presenter Helen just four months after she gave birth to their third child, back in April.
Helen, 39, is reportedly maintaining 'cordial relations' with her ex, while she appears on Strictly Come Dancing, learning the news before the couple announced the news on Instagram.
Richie's friend told The Sun : “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, reports The Mirror.
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 announced she and her husband were no longer together earlier this year, 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."
Read more:
