HELEN SKELTON was pictured looking emotional just days before it was revealed ex-husband Richie Myler is expecting a baby with his new girlfriend.
The popular TV star wiped her eye while grabbing a coffee before dance rehearsals with her Strictly partner Gorka Marquez in London.
It was revealed yesterday that her rugby league star ex Richie Myler, who left Helen for Stephanie Thirkill earlier this year, is set to welcome a fourth child.
Helen, 39, broke her social media silence today by sharing a sweet photo of her three kids watching TV.
The proud mum, who welcomed her third child just months before her marriage split, posted the early-morning snap to Instagram.
The photo showed Ernie, six, Louis, five, and Elsie Kate, ten months, crowding in front of the TV in their pyjamas.
The two young boys looked to be enjoying a video game while their little sister watched on, leaning against part of the sofa.
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“A life with brothers,” Helen simply captioned the post – her first to social media since news broke of her ex Richie’s new baby last night.
A pal said of Richie and new girlfriend Stephanie’s pregnancy: “They’re thrilled by the pregnancy.”
Businesswoman Stephanie, 32, took to Instagram to announce the news, excitedly tagging her boyfriend who is a player for top-flight rugby league side Leeds Rhinos.
It is understood Richie, also 32, broke the news to Helen, mum to their three young kids, before the social media post.
A friend of his said last night: “Stephanie and Richie are obviously thrilled. They have moved very quickly but 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.”
The friend 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.”
Stephanie, whose dad Andrew Thirkill is Leeds Rhinos president, is already showing a noticeable baby bump.
Meanwhile, Helen has been busy winning over the hearts of the nation as she takes part in this series of Strictly.
Partnered with Spanish pro dancer Gorka, the pair are one of the favourites to win the coveted Glitterball.
Ex-Blue Peter host Helen was heartbroken after Richie left her when their youngest child was just four months old.
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She wrote in April: “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.”
The Sun reported that Richie had quickly embarked on a romance with a mystery new woman who we later revealed to be successful marketing executive Stephanie.
The couple have since gone public across social media, and recently enjoyed a romantic mini break in Cornwall.
