Helen Skelton’s ex-husband is Richie Myler, a former professional rugby league player who represented England and Ireland before moving into sports management. The couple married in December 2013 after meeting in 2011 and welcomed three children during their relationship: Ernie, Louis and Elsie Kate. However, their marriage ended in April 2022, when Helen announced that they were no longer together. Their separation attracted widespread attention because it happened only four months after the birth of their youngest child. Their divorce was subsequently reported as finalised in December 2023. Since then, Richie has built a family with his partner Stephanie Thirkill, while Helen has continued her BBC presenting career and spoken about the emotional impact of their highly publicised split. Their story involves a long marriage, a difficult separation, three children and two very different paths after divorce.
Who Is Helen Skelton’s Ex-Husband?
Helen Skelton’s former husband is Richard David Myler, professionally known as Richie Myler. Born on 21 May 1990 in Widnes, Cheshire, he became a recognised name in British rugby league through his performances in the Super League and his international appearances for England and Ireland.
Myler developed his career as a versatile half-back and full-back, playing for several established rugby league clubs. His professional journey included Widnes Vikings, Salford City Reds, Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons, Leeds Rhinos and York Knights. His experience across different teams helped him establish a reputation as an accomplished and adaptable player.
One of his most memorable achievements came in 2020, when he won the Lance Todd Trophy after helping Leeds Rhinos defeat Salford Red Devils in the Challenge Cup final. He had previously won the same competition with Warrington Wolves in 2012.
His career highlights include:
- Winning the Challenge Cup with Warrington Wolves in 2012.
- Winning the Challenge Cup with Leeds Rhinos in 2020.
- Receiving the Lance Todd Trophy in 2020.
- Representing England and Ireland at international level.
- Making more than 400 senior appearances in professional rugby league.
Myler retired from playing professionally in April 2024 and moved into a management position at Hull FC. His transition from player to administrator marked a significant change after many years in competitive rugby.
How Did Helen Skelton and Richie Myler Meet?
Helen Skelton and Richie Myler met in 2011, when Helen was developing her television career and Richie was establishing himself as a professional rugby league player. Their relationship developed while both were pursuing demanding careers in different industries.
Helen was already familiar to British television audiences through her presenting work on BBC’s Blue Peter. Richie was playing for Warrington Wolves and building his reputation in the Super League. Their relationship gradually developed, and they became engaged in March 2012.
After their engagement, the couple continued building their relationship before marrying in December 2013. Their early married life involved balancing Helen’s broadcasting commitments with Richie’s professional rugby schedule.
A significant change came in 2015, when Richie joined Catalans Dragons in France. The family moved to Perpignan, where Helen experienced life away from her usual professional and family surroundings. She later discussed the challenges of living abroad, adjusting to a different culture and supporting her husband’s sporting career.
Their time in France became an important part of their relationship history before they eventually returned to England.
When Did Helen Skelton Marry Richie Myler?
Helen Skelton married Richie Myler in December 2013 after approximately two years together. Their wedding marked the beginning of a marriage that lasted until their separation in April 2022.
During their marriage, Helen continued working in television while Richie played for different rugby league clubs. Their professional commitments sometimes required changes in location, but they gradually established a family life together.
Their first child, Ernie, was born in June 2015, followed by their second son, Louis, in April 2017. Their daughter, Elsie Kate, arrived on 28 December 2021.
The couple’s family life attracted public interest because Helen was a familiar television personality and Richie was an established rugby player. However, they generally kept their children’s private lives away from extensive media coverage.
Although their marriage appeared to be an established family partnership, they announced their separation just four months after Elsie’s birth. The announcement marked the beginning of a new chapter for both parents.
Why Did Helen Skelton and Richie Myler Separate?
Helen Skelton and Richie Myler announced their separation on 25 April 2022. Helen shared the news through her Instagram Stories, explaining that they were no longer a couple and that Richie had left the family home. She also stated that they would do their best to co-parent their children.
The announcement attracted considerable attention because their youngest daughter, Elsie Kate, had been born only four months earlier. Helen later explained that she had not expected the relationship to end and described the experience as a significant personal shock.
In her autobiography, In My Stride: Lessons Learned Through Life and Adventure, published in 2023, Helen reflected on the emotional difficulties of the separation. She discussed the challenge of adjusting to a different family situation while continuing to work and care for three young children.
Richie’s subsequent relationship with Stephanie Thirkill also became a subject of media coverage. However, the precise circumstances surrounding the breakdown of Helen and Richie’s marriage have not been fully explained by either person.
It is important to distinguish between confirmed events and speculation. The couple announced their separation in April 2022, but they have not provided a complete public account of every reason their marriage ended.
When Was Helen Skelton and Richie Myler’s Divorce Finalised?
Helen Skelton and Richie Myler’s divorce was reported as finalised at the end of December 2023, with the news becoming public in January 2024. Their legal divorce followed their separation in April 2022, bringing their marriage to its formal conclusion.
The period between separation and divorce attracted attention because both had begun establishing separate lives. Richie was in a relationship with Stephanie Thirkill, while Helen was concentrating on her children and professional commitments.
Their legal separation did not change their responsibilities as parents. Ernie, Louis and Elsie remained their shared priority, and Helen had publicly stated that they would try to co-parent.
The distinction between separation and divorce is important when understanding their timeline. Their relationship ended in April 2022, but the legal process was completed much later.
Stephanie Thirkill
Stephanie Thirkill is Richie Myler’s partner following his separation from Helen Skelton. She is the daughter of businessman Andrew Thirkill, who has been associated with Leeds Rhinos and professional rugby league.
Stephanie became a frequently searched name after her relationship with Richie attracted media attention in 2022. The interest was partly connected to Richie’s previous marriage and his playing career at Leeds Rhinos.
The couple subsequently started a family together. They welcomed their daughter, Olivia, in 2023, followed by their son, Freddie, in September 2024. Their growing family has become an important part of Richie’s life after his divorce.
Stephanie generally maintains a more private public profile than Helen, who regularly appears on television. Nevertheless, her connection to Richie has made her a common subject of searches about Helen Skelton’s former husband.
Stephanie and Richie have two children together. These children are half-siblings to Ernie, Louis and Elsie, whom Richie shares with Helen.
Helen Skelton Husband New Partner
Helen Skelton has not publicly confirmed a new husband or announced another marriage since her divorce from Richie Myler. Although her personal life continues to attract public interest, she has generally kept her romantic relationships private.
One recurring topic has been speculation about her friendship with BBC Morning Live co-presenter Gethin Jones. Their professional relationship and close friendship have led to repeated questions about whether they are dating.
However, Helen directly addressed the rumours in an interview published in July 2026. She described Gethin as one of her best friends and a work colleague, making clear that they were not romantically involved.
Helen also joked about rumours surrounding their supposed engagement and explained that she was not using dating apps. Her comments provided a direct response to speculation that had circulated for some time.
For readers searching for Helen Skelton’s new partner, the important distinction is that she has not publicly confirmed a new relationship. Her current public priorities include her children, broadcasting work and personal independence.
Richie Myler
Richie Myler’s professional life changed considerably after he retired from playing rugby league in April 2024. Rather than leaving the sport, he moved into management and took up the position of Director of Rugby at Hull FC.
His appointment allowed him to use his experience as a professional player to work on recruitment, coaching structures, rugby operations and the development of the club’s playing departments.
Myler’s background includes more than a decade of experience at senior level, international rugby and success in major competitions. His knowledge of the Super League provided a foundation for his transition into sports administration.
Away from his professional responsibilities, Richie has established a family with Stephanie Thirkill. He is now a father of five, with three children from his marriage to Helen and two from his relationship with Stephanie.
His life after separation therefore involves both a new family situation and a different professional direction within rugby league.
Richie Myler Wife
Searches for Richie Myler’s wife frequently refer to Stephanie Thirkill, his partner following his divorce from Helen Skelton. However, it is important to distinguish between a publicly reported relationship and a legally confirmed marriage.
Richie was previously married to Helen Skelton. They married in December 2013, welcomed three children and announced their separation in April 2022. Their divorce was subsequently reported as finalised in December 2023.
Following the end of that marriage, Richie established a relationship with Stephanie. They have two children together, Olivia and Freddie, and have built a family away from much of the public spotlight.
Stephanie’s family connection to the rugby league world has also attracted interest, particularly because Richie previously played for Leeds Rhinos.
Unless a marriage is confirmed by reliable public information, it is more accurate to describe Stephanie as Richie’s partner rather than automatically calling her his wife.
Helen Skelton Children
Helen Skelton has three children with her former husband, Richie Myler. Their family includes two sons and one daughter, all born during their marriage.
Their children’s names are Ernie, Louis and Elsie Kate.
- Ernie: Born in June 2015, he is Helen and Richie’s eldest child.
- Louis: Born in April 2017, he is their second son.
- Elsie Kate: Born on 28 December 2021, she is their youngest child and only daughter.
The birth of Elsie Kate was particularly significant because Helen and Richie announced their separation approximately four months later.
Helen has spoken about the realities of motherhood, including the importance of family support and balancing her professional commitments with raising three children. Following the separation, she returned to Cumbria, where her family and established support network were nearby.
In her 2026 interview, Helen discussed the practical realities of single parenthood, including managing school activities, work schedules and family commitments. She explained that being close to her parents and friends made a difference to her everyday life.
Although she occasionally shares family moments, Helen generally protects her children’s privacy and does not make their personal lives the focus of her public profile.
Richie Myler Helen Skelton
The relationship between Richie Myler and Helen Skelton began in 2011 and developed into a marriage that lasted almost nine years. Their shared history includes their engagement, wedding, move to France, three children and eventual separation.
After their marriage ended in April 2022, both moved towards different personal and professional futures.
Richie established a relationship with Stephanie Thirkill and welcomed two more children. He also retired from professional rugby league and moved into management at Hull FC.
Helen, meanwhile, continued her broadcasting work and joined the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. Partnered with Gorka Márquez, she reached the final and finished as runner-up.
Her participation in the competition became an important moment in her life after the separation. In her later reflections, Helen explained that she wanted to create positive experiences and have something else to focus on rather than allowing the breakdown of her marriage to define her year.
Their relationship remains a subject of public interest because of their television and sporting profiles. However, their lives have developed separately, with their three children remaining their shared family connection.
Does Helen Skelton Ex Husband See His Children?
Helen Skelton and Richie Myler share three children, and Helen specifically mentioned co-parenting when announcing their separation. She said that they would do their best to raise their children together despite no longer being a couple.
However, their exact private arrangements concerning contact, visits and childcare have not been consistently disclosed publicly. There is no reliable basis for claiming a specific visitation schedule or making assumptions about how frequently Richie sees Ernie, Louis and Elsie.
Helen has discussed the importance of her children’s wellbeing and the support she received from her family while adjusting to life after the separation. She has also spoken about the practical challenges of managing work and parenting responsibilities.
It is therefore more accurate to say that the former couple publicly committed to co-parenting than to make unsupported claims about their current arrangements.
Their children have two parents with continuing responsibilities towards them, but the details of their private family arrangements remain personal.
Richie Myler Partner
Richie Myler’s publicly reported partner is Stephanie Thirkill. Their relationship became a subject of media attention in 2022, following his separation from Helen Skelton.
Stephanie is the daughter of businessman Andrew Thirkill, whose association with professional rugby league provides a connection to Richie’s sporting background.
The couple have two children together: Olivia, born in 2023, and Freddie, born in September 2024. These children are younger half-siblings to Ernie, Louis and Elsie, whom Richie shares with Helen.
Although their relationship has attracted public attention, Richie and Stephanie have generally kept their family life relatively private. Most public interest centres on their relationship history, their children and their connection to the rugby league world.
It is also important not to confuse Richie’s previous marriage with his current relationship. Helen Skelton is his former wife, while Stephanie Thirkill is his publicly reported partner.
What Did Helen Skelton Reveal About Her Divorce in 2026?
In an interview published in June and reported widely in July 2026, Helen Skelton spoke candidly about the emotional impact of her marriage breakdown. She described the public attention surrounding her separation as humiliating, particularly because she came from a close-knit community where people knew her family.
Helen explained that she found it uncomfortable when strangers approached her or asked questions about her private life. She also recalled how gossip could reach her father through people he knew, making it difficult to keep the experience separate from everyday family life.
The interview offered a more personal perspective on the challenges of becoming a single mother while continuing to work in television. Helen discussed how she focused on her children, moved closer to her family support network and tried to create positive experiences during a difficult period.
She also reflected on Strictly Come Dancing, explaining that the programme gave her something different to concentrate on during 2022. Her comments showed why the experience became more than a television competition in the context of her personal life.
What Is Helen Skelton Doing Now?
Helen Skelton remains an established British television presenter, known for her work on Blue Peter, Countryfile and Morning Live.
She first became widely recognised after joining Blue Peter in 2008, presenting the children’s programme until 2013. Her adventurous approach to broadcasting helped distinguish her from other presenters, particularly through challenging outdoor activities and record-breaking experiences.
Her achievements outside television include kayaking approximately 2,000 miles along the Amazon and cycling to the South Pole. She has also completed several endurance challenges and written about her experiences in her autobiography, In My Stride.
In 2026, Helen continued to present Morning Live and work on other BBC projects, including Lost and Found in the Lakes. She has also spoken about choosing a manageable work schedule so that she can spend more time with her children.
Her public life now centres on broadcasting, family and outdoor adventures rather than the details of her former marriage.
(FAQs)
Who Is Helen Skelton’s Ex-Husband?
Helen Skelton’s ex-husband is Richie Myler, a former professional rugby league player who represented England and Ireland. He played for clubs including Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos before retiring from playing in 2024 and moving into rugby management at Hull FC.
When Did Helen Skelton and Richie Myler Get Divorced?
Their divorce was reported as finalised at the end of December 2023, with the news becoming public in January 2024. They had announced their separation in April 2022 after approximately eight years of marriage.
Who Is Richie Myler’s New Wife?
Richie Myler’s publicly reported partner is Stephanie Thirkill. They have two children together, Olivia and Freddie. Their legal marital status has not been reliably confirmed in the information available, so it is more accurate to refer to Stephanie as his partner.
How Many Children Does Richie Myler Have?
Richie Myler has five children. He shares three children, Ernie, Louis and Elsie Kate, with Helen Skelton. He has two more children, Olivia and Freddie, with his partner Stephanie Thirkill.
Does Helen Skelton Have a New Partner?
Helen Skelton has not publicly confirmed a new romantic partner. In July 2026, she addressed speculation about her friendship with Gethin Jones, describing him as one of her best friends and a work colleague rather than a romantic partner.
Is Richie Myler Still Working in Rugby League?
Yes. Richie Myler retired from professional playing in April 2024 and joined Hull FC as Director of Rugby. He moved into sports administration after his playing career, using his experience in the Super League to work in club management.
Why Did Helen Skelton and Richie Myler Separate?
The couple announced their separation in April 2022, but neither has provided a complete public explanation of every reason behind their marriage breakdown. Helen later described the experience as unexpected and discussed the emotional difficulties and public attention that followed.
Conclusion
Helen Skelton and Richie Myler’s relationship began in 2011, led to marriage in December 2013 and resulted in three children before their separation in April 2022. Their divorce was subsequently reported as finalised at the end of 2023. Since then, Richie has established a family with Stephanie Thirkill and moved into rugby management at Hull FC, while Helen has continued her successful broadcasting career and spoken more openly about the difficulties of navigating a public separation. Her experience on Strictly Come Dancing, her autobiography and her 2026 interview have offered audiences a broader understanding of her life beyond her former marriage. Although public interest in their relationship remains strong, their shared responsibility for Ernie, Louis and Elsie is an important part of their continuing family connection. Both have moved into different chapters of life, with their individual careers and parenting responsibilities continuing.
