Michelle Ackerley has announced her pregnancy on BBC programme Morning Live following an “emotional” struggle with infertility and endometriosis.
The BBC presenter, also known for fronting Crimewatch and Watchdog, married Ben Ryan, a performance director at Brentford FC, last year.
Introduced by her Morning Live co-host Gethin Jones as having “some news”, Ackerley told the BBC One programme: “I have actually, yes.
“I know I still can’t quite believe it myself, really, very, very happy… it’s just come out slowly but surely,” she added.
“I am four months pregnant.”
The guests smiled and clapped at the surprise news, with 40-year-old Ackerley “thanking” them for their congratulations.
She also said that she had been “waking up in the middle of the night at 3am”, and nudging her husband Ryan, a former rugby coach, saying this is “what we’ve got to get used to, no sleep, so let’s have a conversation in the middle of the night”.
Jones said “congratulations” and added that the team is “so, so happy” for her.
Ackerley also wrote on Instagram on Tuesday that she “can’t believe it’s nearly been a year since getting married”, and said their next chapter in October will be begin “albeit with nervous and cautious excitement”.
She wrote: “I wanted to share though as my journey with endometriosis and infertility is something I finally felt confident to start speaking about more openly last year – realising how many other women were going through similar experiences.
“Feeling part of a community – especially when it comes to women’s health can really make a difference.
“Even at the very start of this year I was gearing up for yet another endo(metriosis) procedure and trying to come to terms with the mental and physical impact they can have. It has been quite the emotional rollercoaster.
“The news of falling pregnant really came as a massive surprise to both of us. We still can’t quite believe it.”
Charity Endometriosis UK says the debilitating chronic condition causes painful or heavy periods.
It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems and affects around 1.5 million women in the UK.
