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Helen Skelton was pictured collapsing when it was revealed her ex-husband Richie Myler is having a baby with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill.
The news comes just six months after Helen, 39, announced that Richie, 32, with whom she shares three children, had left the family home.
Helen, who currently appears on Strictly Come Dancing, was reportedly made aware of the news before Stephanie, 32, announced it on social media.
Painful: Strictly Helen Skelton collapsed when she was first seen since ex Richie Myler was revealed to be having a baby with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill
She was seen wiping her eyes while drinking a cup of coffee before heading to rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing with her pro partner Gorka Marquez.
Former Blue Peter presenter Helen and Richie are said to maintain “warm relationships” for the sake of their children.
Richie ended his eight-year marriage to Helen in April, just four months after she gave birth to their third child, and quickly moved on with Stephanie.
Baby on the way! Helen’s estranged husband Richie, pictured second from left, is expecting a child with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, center
A source told The sun that Stephanie and Richie are “excited” to expect their first child just six months after their relationship came to light.
They added: “Stephanie and Richie are clearly excited. They moved very quickly but are very happy together.
However, the timing of pregnancy may raise eyebrows. It’s clearly such a huge step, and one that was made remarkably quickly with the end of Helen and Richie’s eight-year marriage.
“But Richie and Helen are very close, and in a way the timing is actually perfect as Helen is so happy right now.”
About: The presenter divorced the rugby star, pictured together, in April, just four months after she gave birth to their third child, and he quickly moved on with Stephanie, 32
The source added that Helen is “way too busy” to focus on her training and rehearsals for Strictly.
Stephanie is thought to be showing a noticeable bump on social media already.
MailOnline has reached out to representatives for Helen and Richie for comment.
Family: The news came when Helen posted a sweet photo Wednesday night with her three children watching TV together while she ignored the latest drama with her ex
The news came when Helen posted a sweet photo Wednesday night with her three children watching TV together while she ignored the latest drama with her ex.
Stephanie is the daughter of Leeds Rhinos President Andrew Thirkill, one of the richest businessmen in Leeds and worth an estimated £175 million.
Richie has two young sons Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and daughter Elsie Kate, nine months, with his estranged wife Helen.
Surprise! Helen reportedly learned of the news before Stephanie announced it on social media, and Richie maintains “warm relationships” with his estranged wife. Pictured: Ritchie and Stephanie are heading to Wimbledon this year
Last month Stephanie shared a flowing tribute to Richie on her Instagram stories, which he then reposted.
She wrote: ‘Wasn’t a win, but couldn’t be more proud of this. Grand final at Old Trafford and a great game for you. Love you so much @richiemyler,” to which he added, “Love you.”
Richie posted a photo of himself and Stephanie with her family on his Instagram Stories, also writing, “Ready this season as a family,” and signed a heart.
Richie made his relationship with Stephanie Instagram official when they went to Wimbledon together in July.
His relationship with Stephanie came to light in May, days after it was announced that his eight-year marriage to Helen was over.
Helen is said to feel “stunned” by the breakdown of her marriage, and a source close to the couple told MailOnline: “Helen is devastated.”
They continued, “Now she is contemplating life without him as he has moved on with his new partner.”
Richie insists there was no crossover, that he started a romance with Stephanie after their marriage collapsed, but Helen feels let down. They are still married and their baby is literally months old.
Focused: Helen, who took part in Strictly Come Dancing last week, is ‘way too busy’ working out
“She thought their marriage was safe and secure and is totally shocked by what happened.”
Former Blue Peter star Helen confirmed their split on Instagram, writing: ‘Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the parental home. We will do our best to co-parent our little children.”
Meanwhile, strict viewers have urged Helen to “make her ex-husband jealous” after her first three weeks of sizzling dance routines on the hit show.
One person said, ‘I really want Helen Skelton to enjoy this and go all out! She deserves it #Strictly. Mainly for her… but also a MASSIVE [middle finger emoji] to her despicable lying ex-husband.’
New Love: Stephanie shared a gushing tribute to Richie on her Instagram stories last month, which he then reposted
It seems that Helen came out on top in the end, having received a lot of online support after her first three appearances on the show.
A TV insider said: ‘It would be virtually impossible for Helen not to have noticed the huge surge of support she’s received from people online.
“They like that she shows her ex what he’s missing and encourages her to push herself to the limit in the ultimate act of revenge.
“It will be a huge boost for her in a year, which must have felt like she was trapped in the plot of a movie herself.”
A source close to Miss Skelton told the Daily Mail when she was first linked to Strictly that it was “quite the opposite of the Strictly curse.” Helen has already lost the love of her life, now she wants to find a new one.”
“She can’t wait to get completely absorbed in it, she’s been through some of the toughest times, so this is going to open so many doors for her.
“She’s going to make the most of it and enjoy it.”
Moves: Helen and her partner Gorka Marquez take part in the show. Strictly viewers urge Helen to ‘make her ex-husband jealous’ after her first three weeks of sizzling routines