Helen Skelton’s estranged husband Richie Myler met his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill for the first time when his wife was six months pregnant, it has been claimed.
The TV star, 38, revealed on social media last month the Leeds Rhinos rugby ace, 31, had left their family home, before it was revealed he was now dating the daughter of the club’s president Andrew Thirkill.
It has been claimed that Richie met Stephanie when he was with Helen at a rugby dinner when she asked for a photograph with the couple and they agreed.
However, both Stephanie and Richie insist they did not start a relationship until he’d split from Helen, The Sun reports.
(Image: helenskelton/Instagram)
The pair, who have two young sons and a daughter, split just four months after the birth of their third child, Elsie Kate.
Daily Star has contacted representatives for Richie and Helen for comment.
Former Blue Peter star Helen shared the news of their breakup on Instagram last month, writing: “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.”
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
It is reported that Helen’s contacted Stephanie’s estranged husband Richard Sugden in order to understand and build a timeline of the new couple’s relationship.
A close pal of Helen explained: “She felt something was amiss in her relationship with Richie.
“She has since reached out to Stephanie’s ex to help each other communicate over the situation.
“Emotions are running high and the most important thing to Helen is looking after her three children and making sure they’re OK during the difficult split.”
(Image: Dave Hogan)
Helen and Richie got together for 2011 and tied the knot in December 2013 before they welcomed their three children together.
Just days after the split, Countryfile viewers were said to see Helen was absent from the BBC show as they shared their support for the presenter on social media.
The edition of the show was instead fronted by Adam Henson and Anita Rani.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
