BBC presenter, 40, announces pregnancy after ‘emotional' fertility struggle
A BBC presenter announced her pregnancy live on air after admitting she had gone through an 'emotional' struggle with infertility.
Michelle Ackerley, 40, has presented shows such as Crimewatch, The One Show and Watchdog.
Currently, she is presenting on BBC One's Morning Live show and was seen today alongside co-host Gethin Jones, 47.
After being introduced by Jones, he told viewers at home that she had 'some news'.
Ackerley responded: '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. I am four months pregnant.'
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The news caused guests on the show to smile and clap as they gave their congratulations.
Ackerley went on to explain how she had been 'waking up in the middle of the night at 3am' and she would nudge her husband to say this is 'what we've got to get used to, no sleep'.
Last year, the presenter married Ben Ryan, who is a performance director at Premier League football team Brentford.
Ryan formerly coached the England Rugby 7's team as well as Fiji, which he helped win a gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Writing on Instagram, Ackerley said: '[I] can't believe it's nearly been a year since getting married.'
She also added that she is 'nervous' but is cautiously excited.
In a full post she said: '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.'
Endometriosisis a debilitating chronic condition that causes painful or heavy periods. More Trending
It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis.
Most times, tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of it.
It is said that the condition can decrease a person's quality of life due to severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety and infertility, according to the World Health Organisation.
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For more information about endometriosis, visit the WHO here.
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