Strictly Come Dancing star Aston Merrygold has confirmed he is expecting his first child with girlfriend Sarah Richards, saying the secret has been “so hard to keep”.
The JLS singer broke the news on Twitter with a series of photos of himself and Richards seated at a dining table with a third place laid and a sign saying ‘Reserved’, and a bunch of pink and blue balloons.
Written under the pictures were the words “Could be pink… could be blue… all we know is that we’re due!”
This secret has been so hard to keep, but I’m so excited to share the news that me and @sarahrichards are going to be parents!!! 😃❤🌍😍 pic.twitter.com/p06UQPXPK6
— AM (@AstonMerrygold) September 3, 2017
Read more: Strictly star gets married in secret
He captioned the photos: “This secret has been so hard to keep, but I’m so excited to share the news that me and @sarahrichards are going to be parents!!!”
His bandmate Marvin Humes rushed to congratulate the pair, writing on Instagram: “Over the moon for my brother and sister @AstonMerrygold & @SarahLouRichards on the incredible news that Baby Merrygold is cooking!
“Can’t wait to be an Uncle again! So happy for you two the baby is gonna have a lot of energy boy! ps @OritseMusic remember I was the first to predict a boy!”
Aston found fame as a member of JLS on The X Factor in 2008 and will star in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
This lovely news should take his mind off the criticism already levelled at him for Strictly.
The singer was known for his backflipping dance routines in the band, which will give him an advantage, some say. He was also a judge on TV talent show Got To Dance.
Read more: Strictly’s Aston Merrygold accused of having unfair advantage
“It doesn’t have to be ballroom or Latin dancing experience to give someone an edge,” a source told The Sun.
“Aston spent years being choreographed in JLS, and that rhythm and ability to follow instructions put him streets ahead of competitors.”
He is also best friends with former Strictly champion Louis Smith – the pair grew up together in Peterborough.
“We used to have dance-offs as kids, but ‘street’ and ‘breaking,'” said Aston.
Aston has also showed off his dance skills on TV talent show Stars in the Eyes – as a 14-year-old he appeared as Michael Jackson. He was also in children’s TV show Fun Song Factory.
He’s been to the Strictly Come Dancing studios before, having turned up to support Louis. He said at the time: “I cannot be any more proud of him.”
The singer was with JLS for five years before they announced their split on 22 December 2013. He went on to release solo tracks including Get Stupid.
Aston joins a Strictly line-up that includes Holby City star Joe McFadden, Rev Richard Coles, Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson, This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford and EastEnders star Davood Ghadami.