The pregnant girlfriend of Strictly star Helen Skelton's ex-husband is devastated that people could see her as a "marriage-wrecker", friends have revealed.
Stephanie Thirkill has just passed the 12-week stage of her pregnancy, which came soon after the start of her relationship with Leeds Rhinos rugby star Richie Myler. Richie, 32, and Countryfile host Helen announced they had split in April, just four months after she gave birth to their third child.
Richie is said to have told Helen that Stephanie was expecting before going public with the news. And a friend of Stephanie’s has insisted she has "nothing but respect for Helen", according to the Mirror.
The friend said: "She has told me, ‘It’s upsetting that anyone could be judging me when I am so early on in pregnancy. I want to be able to enjoy this time without it being tarnished as I’ve always dreamed of being a mum. I have never meant to cause any upset to Helen but I do feel I'm being painted as some sort of horrible person.'"
The pal added: "Steph 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 also confirmed that Stephanie has recently passed the 12-week point of her pregnancy.
When 39-year-old Helen, who began her television career on Blue Peter, made her first appearance on Strictly last month with partner Gorka Marquez, she topped the scoreboard with 32 points with her American Smooth. She and Richie share baby daughter Elsie and sons Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.
Following their split, Ritchie quickly became romantically involved with Stephanie, who is a marketing executive. Her father, who is president of the Leeds Rhinos, is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds, with a reported fortune of £175million.
Stephanie’s friend says she and Richie became friends in March and their romance then blossomed. The couple have since gone public on social media and recently enjoyed a romantic holiday 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.
"She 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."
Richie is apparently "thrilled" at the prospect of becoming a dad again, and is keeping "cordial relations" with ex Helen. After the split, it was reported that he had walked out from the family home, leaving his ex-wife devastated.
In an online statement, Helen said: "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."
However, she hasn't let it bring her down as she continues to wow the Strictly judges with her impressive moves. She and Gorka are amongst the favourites to take home the coveted Glitterball trophy this year.
Speaking about why she decided 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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