Strictly's Helen Skelton's chilling suspicion before split from first husband Richie Myler

Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton has had a pretty horrible year following the sudden split from husband of eight years, Richie Myler.

Back in April, the 39-year-old TV star revealed Leeds Rhinos star Richie had 'left the family home' after eight years of marriage. Their third child, Elsie Kate, was just four months old at the time. They are also parents to sons, Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.

In a short statement, a shocked and heartbroken Helen - who stars in this year's Strictly Come Dancing - told fans: "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."

The Sun reported that Richie had 'started a romance' with a mystery new woman just a number of weeks after the split. The woman was later revealed to be Stephanie Thirkill, 32, the daughter of Andrew Thirkill, President of Leeds Rhinos.

For more of the news you care about, straight to your inbox, sign up for one of our daily newsletters here.

Richie's pals claimed the sports star had 'seen the young businesswoman several times recently' and that they were in 'the very early stages of a relationship'.

"Richie appears to have been spending a lot of his free time with this younger, successful businesswoman," an insider said.

Meanwhile, Helen was said to be deeply hurt by the possibility that some of her closest friends had known about her ex's new romance but didn't warn her.

"Helen feels betrayed that some of their friends possibly already knew [Richie and his girlfriend] were together before she did, and they didn't let her know," a source told new! magazine.

"It could have been that her pals felt they were in a difficult position, as Helen has just had her new baby and it was a hard time, but it has made her feel low."

According to one source, while Helen was blindsided by Richie's departure, she'd already had a chilling suspicion that something was off in their relationship.

"Helen has known something hasn’t been right in the marriage for a while now," the insider told The Sun.

However, when Richie finally announced his intention to leave, a devastated Helen was nevertheless rendered speechless, according to reports.

"She was absolutely dumbstruck when it finally ended. The split has been incredibly tough on Helen," the insider added.

"She is being supported by her family and friends who are all rallying around her. Everyone is in a state of shock at their break up."

And there was further heartache in store when Richie Myler shared loved-up snaps with his new girlfriend during a romantic holiday in August.

The images from the trip to Padstow, Cornwall, showed Richie and Stephanie cuddling up in front of a sunny backdrop with the caption, "Cornwall. Was worth a 32 year wait."

Richie also posted a video of him wading into the sea followed by a photo of a sunny harbour, captured during their trip.

Richie limited who could comment on the post, but his new girlfriend left a gushing response, writing: "Thanks for the best weekend! LOVE YOU".

And a source has claimed that Helen, who was recently scammed out of £70,000, was "devastated" by the pictures of her ex-husband with his new flame.

A source told new! magazine: "It's one thing knowing it's happening, but it's another thing actually seeing it.

"For him to post it all over Instagram has been hard. She feels like this is rubbing it in her face, and it's a knife to the heart. It just seems a bit insensitive."

The insider also added that while Helen has kept a "dignified silence" following the breakup, her pals have rallied round to support the TV presenter.

And, although her friends are urging her to find love again, Helen is reportedly far from ready.

The source explained: "She's focusing on the kids and work. She's not ready to get back out there on the dating scene but her friends would like her to meet someone."