Richie Myler in relationship with Stephanie Thirkill after Helen Skelton split

Helen Skelton's husband Richie Myler has started a new relationship with the daughter of the multi-millionaire President of the Leeds Rhinos club he plays for, it has been reported.

The Countryfile presenter Helen, 38, feels "bewildered" by the breakdown of her marriage to Richie Myler, 31, who it is believed is now with new partner, Stephanie Thirkill, 32. The news comes after the two stars' public split after being together for nine years, which Helen announced on her Instagram last week.

Rugby League star Richie also left his family home they shared together just four months after Helen gave birth to their third child Elsie. The pair have two other children together - Louise, who is four and six-year-old Ernie.

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A source told MailOnline: 'Helen is absolutely devastated. Now she is contemplating life without him while he has moved on with his new partner.

"Richie is insisting there was no crossover, that he began the romance with Stephanie after their marriage collapsed, but Helen feels let down. They are still married and their baby is literally four months old. She thought their marriage was safe and secure and is totally shocked by what's happened."

The newspaper says Ms Thirkill is the daughter of Andrew Thirkill - who, with an estimated worth fo £175 million, is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds.

Helen announced last week that she and her husband are “no longer a couple”. The Blue Peter star announced the news in a post on her Instagram stories, writing: “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.”

Just days after the heartbreaking news was announced, Countryfile viewers were sad to see that the Helen was missing from the most recent episode as they issued their support for the star. Sunday's programme was led by Adam Henson and Anita Rani as viewers noticed Helen's absence.

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