Holby City's Ben Richards becomes dad after cancer battle
The new dad reveals he was warned he might never have children after being treated for bowel cancer
New dad Ben Richards has revealed he thought he'd never be a father. The former Holby City and The Bill actor battled bowel cancer, and doctors warned him he would probably never have children.
And not only that. During his previous marriage, which ended in 2012, he and then-wife Helen had to cope with the pain of losing 7 babies, due to a rare medical condition. So there's no wonder Ben and his TV presenter girlfriend Kirsty Duffy think daughter Freja Amelia, who was born on 31 March, is a miracle. "For us it's a miracle. We love her and I'll do everything to protect her," he told Hello! magazine.
Ben's experiences have clearly had a big impact on his new life as a dad.
"To be honest, I am only just starting to get round to the idea that someone isn't going to say, 'Cut!' and take her from me.
"Sometimes I think I'm just playing the role of dad and round the corner is the actual mum and dad waiting for the scene to finish. I'll have to say, 'Thanks, mate,' and give her back."
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As well as posing for an official magazine shoot, the new dad also shared sweet selfies on Twitter. "Sorry for the delay, but we are over the moon to introduce Freja Amelie to you. She is our absolute world," he tweeted.
"She has had such a massive effect on our lives," says Kirsty. "Ben and I cannot believe you’re able to love someone so much. I love Ben to pieces, but this is a different love and my heart is bursting every time I look at her. I am so in love with this little thing."
Ben will start playing Sergeant Ben Bradley in Channel 4 drama Hollyoaks next month – so we hope little Freja doesn't keep him up too much!
Photos: Hello! and Twitter / Ben Richards
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