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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Clare McCarthy

Brian Dowling reveals sister Aoife is the surrogate for his and husband Arthur Gourounlian's first baby

Brian Dowling has revealed that his sister Aoife is the surrogate for his and husband Arthur Gourounlian's first baby.

The presenter and Big Brother star, 43, announced the baby news on social media earlier this week and said that they would be expecting their little girl or boy later this year.

And on Sunday, Brian shared a snap with Aoife revealing that she was carrying their baby as she debuted an adorable baby bump in a long summer dress.

In an emotional Instagram post Brian thanked Aoife saying that both her and baby were doing 'brilliantly', writing: "Not only is this my BEAUTIFUL sister Aoife, she is also our INCREDIBLE Surrogate.

"From our very first conversation about this back in 2019 to where we are now is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING @effidy_dowling_ you have gone above & beyond for us @gourounlian whether it is mentally or physically & you have stayed so POSITIVE & UPBEAT through it all.

"From Ultra Sounds & Ovulation tests to numerous conversations about your Cycle... to those 4 positive pregnancy tests we took where the 3 of us hugged & cried with happiness & excitement.

"We have been through every step of this together reassuring each other along the way that everything will be fine once we stick together.

"Aoife you are an INSPIRATION to all of us. You are literally giving us THE GIFT OF LIFE.

"So to you Aoife & our wonderful Egg Donor none of this would be possible without you both. From the bottom of our hearts thank you... I’m so happy to confirm that both Aoife & baby are doing BRILLIANTLY."

The well known couple have been open about their dreams to become parents and announced the happy news earlier this week.

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The couple, based in Co Kildare, penned: “It completely fills our hearts to be able to reveal we are pregnant and due to our beautiful bundle of joy later this year.

“We actually never thought this day would be a reality for us.

“We fully realise and understand how lucky and blessed we are for this to be happening.

“For a lot of us out there and especially people from our community we have to fight harder and push harder for what others consider to be something that can be achieved easily."

In his post, Brian revealed that they had kept the baby news a secret for months but that they couldn't wait to meet "Baby Dowling Gourounlian".

He wrote: “Myself and Arthur have been keeping the biggest secret the past few months but it’s put the biggest smiles in our hearts and on our faces.

“We can’t wait to meet you, hug you and love you for the rest of our lives.

“Baby Dowling Gourounlian is on the way, people.”

Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur, who also shared a video of the pair’s journey to parenthood so far, including clips of when they first found out they were pregnant and images of their scans, added: “It’s happening, let’s do this.”

The couple’s famous friends, fans and family flocked to the post to wish them congratulations.

Close pal Pippa O’Connor said: “Crying! again. What a lucky baby. Can not wait to meet this little angel. Love you guys xx”

RTE presenter James Patrice added: “OMG - CONGRATULATIONS to you both. You’re going to be the most amazing parents.”

It comes after the pair previously revealed they were working with a surrogate to start their family.

Speaking on Late Late Show Valentine's Special, Brian said: "The baby train has left the station.

"We thought at this point we would have been blessed already. We're on the surrogacy journey, but there are no regulations regarding this.

"It just doesn't affect people like us, it affects everyone in Ireland... children, parents and families. I think you shouldn't tell people when they can or can't have families so I'd like to think this year we will be blessed.”

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