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. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.” 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. Helen announced last week that she and her husband are “no longer a couple”. 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. She thought their marriage was safe and secure and is totally shocked by what's happened.' They are still married and their baby is literally four months old. 'Richie is insisting there was no crossover, that he began the romance with Stephanie after their marriage collapsed, but Helen feels let down. Helen Skelton was absent from this week's edition of Countryfile