Ben and Jackie Foden have announced the happy news that they're expecting their second child together.
Three years on from the arrival of their daughter Farrah – and after three heart-breaking miscarriages – the couple are thrilled to share with OK! that they have another bundle of joy on the way.
“We’re so excited about a second baby,” said US-born Jackie, who is now in her second trimester. “We’re using this as our grand announcement – we’ve only told those who are really close to us.”
Ben, 38, who has daughter Aoife, 11 and son Tadgh, eight, with ex-wife Una Healy and daughter Farrah, three, with pregnant Jackie, made headlines for being unfaithful to The Saturdays singer in 2018.
However, he's now found his happily ever after in businesswoman Jackie, who he has nicknamed '"Superwoman” – a nod to the strength and resilience she’s shown during what’s been a hugely challenging 12 months.
Ben and Jackie met through a mutual friend, before marrying in August 2019 – on the day his divorce came through – after only two weeks of “seriously” dating.
Sharing a sweet photo on Instagram, the rugby star said: “When someone like her comes in to your life, why would I wait?
“The people who needed to know, such as close family and friends were told before anyone else and they are happy for me including my beautiful X wife @unahealy who I love even more for her blessing.”
Ben described her as “beautiful inside and out, intelligent, charming, funny, generous, kind, gentle, energetic”.
Speaking about their whirlwind romance, Jackie told OK!: "I knew he was the person for me even though it was crazy. It was extremely insane but it was the best gamble I’ve taken. It was a dream come true. I’m so happy now.
"Sometimes we do look at each other and we say, 'Wow! What idiots we were – that could have gone really badly.' But I just have to trust that I know what we were feeling."
The couple welcomed their daughter Farrah in 2020.
Sharing the happy news on Instagram, Ben wrote: "Farrah Abra Foden, 5/20/2020, 6 lbs 12oz, 19.5 inches, 3 weeks early, we love you."
The family live together in a stunning apartment in New York City, where Ben now works in real estate.
Former England rugby star Ben previously opened up on how cheating on Una, 40, was "a mistake" he's "not proud of".
He told Daily Mail's Weekend magazine: “Jackie and Una are getting on, so it’s worked out. Like any relationship it takes time, but they chat online.
"Una’s letting the kids stay with us for a month in New York. I’m very proud of where Una and I have come to and I only want the best for her. She’s a great mother.”
Una has also spoken out on the divorce, saying that she was "in hell" as she reflected on their split.
Speaking to Fabulous, she said: "When you're in hell, you can't go round it, you have to go through it. It's the only way.
"For the sake of the kids I had to stay strong. Obviously they've seen me upset, and there have been moments where I've just started crying, but both of them would come up and give me a hug or write little notes saying 'I love you' and I knew I had to pull myself out of it.
"Everything is for them. They are the most important thing in my life and I have to guide them now."
She continued: "Divorce is a tough old thing to go through.
"You don't walk down the aisle expecting this to happen. You hope it's going to be forever and you don't marry with any other intention. And when it doesn't work out, it's devastating. Totally devastating.”
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