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, report The Mirror.
READ MORE: Helen Skelton’s secret off-screen side-hustle earns Strictly star over £1m
A pal of Stephanie’s last night insisted she had “nothing but respect for Helen”.
The friend said: “She never meant to cause any upset but feels like she’s being painted as some sort of horrible person.
“She 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 told me that it’s upsetting to be judged so early on in pregnancy. She wants to be able to enjoy this time without it being tarnished as she’s always dreamed of being a mum.”
The pal said Stephanie, whose dad Andrew Thirkill is Leeds Rhinos’ president, has just passed the 12-week point of her pregnancy.
(Image: richiemyler/Instagram)
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.
Helen and Richie announced their eight-year marriage had come to an end in April – just four months after their daughter Elsie was born. They are also parents to sons Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.
Richie quickly started a romance with marketing executive Stephanie. Her father 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 – later than reports suggested.
(Image: PA)
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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.”
(Image: BBC)
Richie is said to be “thrilled” that he is expecting a child with Stephanie and that he 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 in April, reports suggested that Richie had walked out on the family, leaving the Countryfile host devastated.
In April, Helen posted online: “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.”
Helen, who has been partnered with Spanish pro dancer Gorka Márquez, 32, is among the favourites to take home the coveted Glitterball this year.
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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
