Connagh Howard, a Love Island star, is about to become a father following a long journey of reproductive treatments.
The 32-year-old fitness expert starred on the ITV dating programme in 2020, but later fell in love with fellow reality star Beth Dunlavey.
Beth, who has been on Channel 4’s reality show The Circle, is expecting the couple’s first child, and they announced it with a beautiful video on Instagram.
And be warned, it is an absolute tear-jerker.
Set to Daniela Micuchova’s piano instrumental track Golden Hour, which is already an emotional track on its own, a black-and-white video montage showed the couple in tears as they went through gruelling IVF treatments including injections, laughed with friends, went to hospital appointments, and watched the results of negative pregnancy tests.
The film then transitions to colour as the pair captures the moment they hear their most recent test was positive.
They cry into one other’s arms as a picture of an ultrasound emerges on the screen.
In addition to the wonderful video, the pair said in a joint Instagram statement: ‘Every injection, every tear, every surgery, every agony; every last inch of this trip has been worth it for you, and I’d do it 100 times over if I had to, we already love you so much.
Our baby decided the time was right and we are over the moon to finally announce we are PREGNANT.’
Beth went on to send love to other couples going through similar difficulties, saying ‘I know that not everyone’s journey looks like ours, and announcements like this are hard to see, I’ve been there and I see you’.
View this post on Instagram
She added: ‘To those still waiting for their miracle, I send you all my love and hope. Don’t give up.’
Beth and Connagh have been together for four years and have been upfront about their reproductive issues, having tried for a baby for over three years.
In 2023, they revealed in a video that they had ceased being ‘careful’ a year into their relationship in the hopes that she would become pregnant, but this did not happen.
After having endometriosis surgery, Beth went to a reproductive clinic, and Connagh had semen analysis, which was initially ‘borderline’ but improved significantly after making lifestyle and dietary modifications.
When the couple still couldn’t become pregnant, and Beth had acupuncture treatments, they were informed they had ‘unexplained fertility’ and were given IVF.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves fertilising an egg with sperm in a laboratory before transferring it into the woman’s womb for growth.
Beth had said the IVF ‘consumed our life and relationship’ calling it ‘painful, are, uncertain and full of grief,’ but that they were determined to continue to have the ‘family we deserve to have’.
Over a year later and the couple are now basking in love and congratulations from friends and followers, including from Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, who said she was ‘absolutely over the moon for you Beth!’
‘OVER THE MOON congratulations my love!’
Sophie Kasaei said it was ‘unbelievable,’ adding ‘I knew your time would come.’
And Siannise Fudge said it had ‘made my whole day. I’m sooo happy for you both! The best news ever.’
Pregnancy loss helpline
For emotional support, you can contact Miscarriage Association’s pregnancy loss helpline on 01924 200799 or email info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk.