On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, BBC presenter Michelle Ackerley announced her pregnancy live on air during the morning show Morning Live. This heartwarming revelation follows an arduous journey marked by infertility and endometriosis, issues that Ackerley has bravely shared with her audience.
Ackerley, who is also known for her roles on Crimewatch and Watchdog, was introduced by her co-host Gethin Jones, who hinted at the exciting news. "You've got some news that you wanted to share, and it's amazing," he said, prompting Ackerley to beam as she responded, "I have actually, yes. I am four months pregnant!" The announcement was met with applause and cheers from the studio audience and her co-stars.
"I still can't quite believe it myself, really! Very, very happy," Ackerley added, reflecting the joy of the moment. The 40-year-old presenter has been candid about her struggles with infertility, revealing that she had been waking up in the middle of the night at 3 a.m. and nudging her husband, Ben Ryan, to discuss their impending parenthood. "No sleep, so let's just have a conversation in the middle of the night and see what it's like. We need to be prepared!" she joked.
Later that day, Ackerley took to Instagram to share her excitement with her followers. In her heartfelt post, she wrote, "I can't believe it's nearly been a year since getting married and I honestly didn't think 12 months on that I'd be writing a post sharing that I'm pregnant." She expressed her gratitude for the support she has received, particularly from others facing similar challenges. "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," she said.
Ackerley's journey with endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects around 1.5 million women in the UK, has been fraught with challenges. The condition is known for causing painful or heavy periods and can lead to infertility, fatigue, and other complications. She noted that earlier this year, she was preparing for yet another endometriosis procedure, which had taken a toll on her both mentally and physically. "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," she shared.
Her husband, Ben Ryan, a performance director at Brentford FC, has been a source of support throughout this journey. Ackerley described him as having a "calm aura" and emphasized their shared sense of humor, which has helped them navigate the ups and downs of life together. The couple married in May 2024, and now they are looking forward to this new chapter in their lives, which will begin in October.
During her announcement on Morning Live, Ackerley also revealed that Ryan has been very relaxed about the pregnancy news. Gethin Jones remarked on this, noting, "But, you've found a way of getting him prepared for what's to come, haven't you Michelle?" Ackerley confirmed that she was indeed doing her part to prepare him for the sleepless nights ahead.
As the show continued, the atmosphere remained celebratory, with co-hosts and guests alike expressing their happiness for Ackerley. The news of her pregnancy has not only brought joy to her family but has also resonated with many viewers who see her as a relatable figure sharing her personal struggles and triumphs.
In her Instagram post, Ackerley reflected on the significance of her announcement, stating, "And so in October, the start of a new chapter begins for @benryan7s and I, albeit with nervous and cautious excitement." This sentiment captures the mix of joy and apprehension that often accompanies impending parenthood.
The support from the community and the conversations sparked by her openness about infertility and endometriosis have been invaluable to Ackerley. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others who may be facing similar challenges feel less alone. "Even at the very start of this year, I was gearing up for yet another endo procedure and trying to come to terms with the mental and physical impact they can have," she noted.
As Ackerley embarks on this new journey into motherhood, her story serves as a reminder of the resilience many women exhibit in the face of adversity. The celebration of her pregnancy is not just a personal victory but also a beacon of hope for others navigating similar paths.
With her infectious spirit and candid approach to her struggles, Michelle Ackerley continues to inspire many. Her journey, marked by both challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support in overcoming life's hurdles.
As she prepares for the arrival of her baby, Ackerley's story is a beautiful reminder that joy often follows struggle, and that sharing our experiences can create a powerful connection among us.
