Helen Skelton's estranged husband's family have spoken out for the first time since news spread about the couple's split last month.

Rugby league star Richie Myler celebrated his birthday on Saturday, the same day as his wife returned to screens after a break following their separation.

As the Leeds Rhino full-back did his bit to ensure a victory on the pitch against Wakefield, his former other half was back on telly commentating for Channel 4.

He featured in Leeds' 24-6 victory at home on Friday evening during his third appearance of the season.

And it proved to be the perfect present for the 32-year-old, as he had the support of his sister, Rachel, who posted a sweet birthday message on Instagram where she described him as the "best big brother" and said she's "proud of who you are".

Alongside a photo of her and Myler, she wrote: "Happy birthday to the best big brother a sister could ask for. I love you so much and am proud of who you are."

Former Blue Peter star Skelton made the announcement she and her husband are not together anymore in a heartbreaking post on Instagram last month.

It was revealed a few days that Myler has since been dating Sophie Thirkill - the daughter of the Super League club's president.

Myler has yet to publicly comment on the split.

Last week he was heckled by rival fans when he took to the pitch for the first time since the news broke.

A post from January of Skelton posing alongside their three children - Ernie, six, and Louis, four and daughter Elsie Kate, who was born last December - for Hello! magazine still features on his Instagram account.

Since the news of their separation, Skelton had taken time out from work and had been absent from BBC Countryfile but returned for Channel 4's rugby league coverage on Saturday.

She was at Hull KR's Super League clash with Catalans Dragons - a team Myler used to play for - as she stood in for main anchor Adam Hills, who has returned to Australia to be with his family.

Fans were complimentary about Skelton's return to our screens.

One user said: "I do love @HelenSkelton! Fantastic presenter and is so passionate about our ace game."

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