The family of Helen Skelton's estranged husband have broken their silence for the first time since their split last month.
Richie Myler, who plays as a full-back or half-back for rugby league outfit Leeds Rhinos, celebrated his 32nd birthday on Saturday - the same day as Skelton, 38, returned to our television screens after a brief break from presenting following the end of their eight-year marriage.
He featured in Leeds' 24-6 victory at home to Wakefield on Friday evening during his third appearance of the season as Rohan Smith secured his first win as Rhinos head coach.
It proved to be the perfect present for Myler as he had the support of his sister, Rachel, who 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".
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."
Skelton announced she and her husband are no longer together following an emotional statement on her Instagram story in April.
It was revealed a few days that Myler has since been dating Sophie Thirkill - the daughter of the Super League club's president.
Myler has yet to publicly comment on the split although he still has a post from January of Skelton posing alongside their three children - Ernie, six, and Louis, four and daughter Elsie Kate, who was born last December - for Hello! magazine on his Instagram account.
Since the news of their separation, Skelton had taken a break from presenting to focus on herself. She had been absent from her role on BBC One programme Countryfile but returned on Channel 4 on Saturday lunchtime to cover rugby league.
The former Blue Peter presenter was at Hull KR's Super League clash with Catalans Dragons - a team Myler used to play for - as she stood in for main anchor Adam Hills, who has returned to Australia to be with his family.
Fans were complimentary about Skelton's return to our screens.
One user said: "I do love @HelenSkelton! Fantastic presenter and is so passionate about our ace game."
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"Great to see Helen Skelton is still presenting the Rugby League on Channel 4," another impressed fan said, adding: "I'm sure it can't be easy for her given recent events but she always does a great job because she's a top quality professional."
One fan commented: "Nice to see @HelenSkelton presenting the rugby."
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