The family of Helen Skelton's ex-husband have broken their silence for the first time since the couple split last month.
Leeds Rhinos player Richie Myler celebrated his 32nd birthday on Saturday - the same day Helen returned to our TV screens after a brief break from presenting following the end of their eight-year marriage, The Mirror reports.
Following his win on Friday evening, Richie’s sister Rachel posted a sweet birthday message on Instagram where she described him as the "best big brother" and said she's "proud of who you are".
READ MORE: Helen Skelton missing from Countryfile again as fans accuse BBC of pushing 'agenda'
Alongside a photo of her and Myler, she wrote: "Happy birthday to the best big brother a sister could ask for. I love you so much and am proud of who you are."
Former Blue Peter star Skelton made the announcement she and her husband are not together anymore in a heartbreaking post on Instagram last month.
It was revealed a few days later that Myler has since been dating Sophie Thirkill - the daughter of the Super League club's president.
“She felt something was amiss in her relationship with Richie," a source commented after the split was made public, Birmingham Live reports.
The source continued: “Hiring a private investigator was the last thing she wanted to do, but she was left with no choice as she needed to know the truth.
“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.”
Since the news of their separation, Skelton had taken time out from work and had been absent from BBC Countryfile but returned for Channel 4's rugby league coverage on Saturday.
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