Helen Skelton hired private eye after she became suspicious about husband Richie Myler’s behaviour before he left her

COUNTRYFILE presenter Helen Skelton hired a private investigator after she became suspicious about her husband Richie Myler’s behaviour.

The TV star, 38, revealed on social media last month the Leeds Rhinos rugby ace, 31, had left her after nine years together.

Last week it emerged he had already begun a new relationship with a new woman — 32-year old Stephanie Thirkill­ — just weeks after the marriage ended.

But Helen had suspected infidelity and employed a private eye to help uncover the truth.

She has since contacted Stephanie’s estranged husband Richard Sugden, who lives in Harrogate, North Yorks, to compare notes on the timeline of the relationship.

We can also reveal Richie met Stephanie at a rugby dinner last autumn — when Helen was six months pregnant and left the event early.

Earlier in the evening, Stephanie — the daughter of Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill, who is worth £175million — had asked for a photograph with the couple and they obliged.

The new couple insist they only started their relationship after Richie had split from Helen — with whom he has three children aged six, five and four months.

A pal close to Helen said: “She felt something was amiss in her relationship with Richie.

“Hiring a private investigator was the last thing she wanted to do, but she was left with no choice as she needed to know the truth.

“She has since reached out to Stephanie’s ex to help each other communicate over the situation.

“Emotions are running high and the most important thing to Helen is looking after her three children and making sure they’re OK during the difficult split.”

Meanwhile, Helen is focused on returning to presenting Channel 4’s upcoming rugby league coverage, despite the possibility of working alongside Richie.

Former Blue Peter presenter Helen and Richie were together from 2011 and married in December 2013.

In 2015, they moved to France when Richie played for the Catalan Dragons.

Helen admitted feeling isolated as she did not speak French, adding: “The loneliness was crushing.” But she added at the time: “Marriages are not all plain sailing but we approach it like teamwork.”