Michelle Ackerley has shared the joyful news that she is expecting her first child, revealing the pregnancy live on BBC One’s Morning Live on Tuesday. The 40-year-old television presenter, known for her work on Crimewatch, Watchdog, and The One Show, made the heartwarming announcement after what she described as a long and emotional battle with infertility and endometriosis.
Ackerley, who married Ben Ryan – performance director at Brentford Football Club and a former rugby coach – last year, was introduced on the programme by co-host Gethin Jones as having “some news.” With a radiant smile, she confirmed the speculation: “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.”
The studio was filled with smiles, applause and warm wishes as guests and co-hosts congratulated her. Ackerley expressed her gratitude and shared a light-hearted glimpse into her pregnancy experience so far, saying she has found herself waking in the early hours and nudging her husband to chat. “This is what we’ve got to get used to – no sleep – so let’s have a conversation in the middle of the night,” she laughed.
Jones congratulated his friend and colleague, adding that the whole Morning Live team was “so, so happy” for her. Viewers praised the announcement as “beautiful and brave” on social media, many applauding Ackerley’s openness about the challenges she has faced.
Later on Instagram, Ackerley expanded on her journey, reflecting on the past year since marrying Ryan and how their next chapter, beginning in October, brings both “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.”
Ackerley candidly revealed that as recently as the beginning of this year, she was preparing for another endometriosis procedure and trying to mentally process the toll the condition and treatments had taken on her.
“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.”
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Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body. According to Endometriosis UK, it affects approximately 1.5 million women in the UK and can cause severe menstrual pain, fatigue, and in many cases, infertility. Raising awareness of the condition and its impact has become increasingly important, and Ackerley’s willingness to speak about her experience has already been commended by women across the country.
The presenter has become a beacon for many who feel their stories are overlooked. Her announcement not only brought personal joy but resonated deeply with those living with the realities of fertility issues and women’s health conditions.
With her baby due in October, Ackerley looks ahead to a new chapter filled with cautious optimism, joy, and gratitude. Fans, friends and fellow broadcasters continue to flood her social media with well-wishes and messages of support.
Michelle Ackerley’s brave and heartfelt announcement shines a light on an often-silent struggle — and brings hope to many others navigating similar paths.
