Rugby player Richie Myler – who is dad to 3 children with TV presenter Helen Skelton – announced that he and girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill were expecting their 1st child together last year

Richie Myler has become a dad again with girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32, – 11 months after he split from ex Blue Peter presenter wife Helen Skelton .

The 32-year-old rugby player's coach confirmed the news, revealing:

'Richie has spent a bunch of time in hospital with the birth of his new little baby, so we've given him a little time off to settle in at home.'

• Helen Skelton shares VERY relatable snaps from daughter's 1st birthday

The Leeds Rhino star and new mum Stephanie are yet to share the name or gender of their baby.

'Extremely happy'

Richie and Stephanie revealed they were expecting their 1st child together in October, 4 months after he and Helen, 39, announced they'd split up.

At the time, a spokesperson confirmed to The Sun that they were 'obviously thrilled' by the news, adding:

'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.'

Marriage break-up

Helen and Richie were married for 9 years and share 3 children – Ernie, 7, Louis, 6, and 15-month-old Elsie Kate.

They broke up 4 months after their youngest child was born.

Helen shared the news of the heartbreaking split on her Instagram stories last April, where 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.’

She captioned the post with two broken heart emojis.

Just a few months earlier, she announced the birth of her 3rd child, writing:

‘Pic from earlier this week - just haven't posted partly because my mam likes the family what's apps to be ahead of insta but mainly because I am still failing to find appropriate words of thanks for our @nhsengland @nhsmillion.... legends the blooming lot of them.’

'Them first. Always'

Since the split, the TV presenter has shared the reality of single parenting, praising her support system – which includes her parents – for helping her out.

Sharing a cute photo of her son's homework – where he said she was his favourite author – Helen wrote:

'If you're a parent who works. I see you. We're doing ok. They're proud of us.'

She followed up the message with:

'Them first. Always. 🤞❤️😍'

The Countryfile presenter also praised her mum and dad at the same time for the extra help they're giving her in helping her bring up her three children, saying that 'grandparents keep the economy running'.

Read more about being a single parent below.

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