TV presenter Amanda Byram surprised fans yesterday after announcing that she had given birth to a baby boy called Phoenix Blaze.
The 48-year-old, who kept her pregnancy under wraps, shared her happy news on Instagram with an adorable snap of her son’s hand.
Amanda hid her baby bump with a series of clever Instagram tricks and opted for some baggy attire.
The TV star has remained active on social media over the last few months sharing a flurry of stunning photos.
However, Amanda kept her growing bump hidden from fans by posing in oversized jumpers and dresses.
In one photo, the presenter wore a stylish woollen jumper and a pair of khaki combat trousers.
In another image, she posed with a bathrobe that covered her bump and also enjoyed a day out at Hove Beach wearing a loose multicoloured dress.
The telly favourite also utilised a variety of camera angles – including selfies, photos from a distance and other images that were above her waist.
In one genius photo, Amanda posed again on Hove Seafront in a long jumper dress from the back.
Her head faced the camera but her bump was hidden in the snap as she stood towards the sea.
Amanda shared her baby news with fans yesterday, writing: “I’m so overjoyed, full of love and bursting with happiness to be able to share with you that @julianokines and I have welcomed our incredible son, Phoenix Blaze Byram Okines into the big wide, wonderful world.
“What a privilege that he entrusted us to nurture and guide his little soul through the endless possibilities of life and we are eternally grateful to him for choosing us to be his parents.”
The couple had to overcome a series of hurdles to become parents, experiencing all manner of emotions.
Amanda said: “Our fertility journey has been long and we know only too well the heartbreak of the hope that turned to hopelessness, the elation that turned to devastation and the strain putting this often-secretive journey before your job, your friends, and your life.”
The Irish Dancing With The Stars host said that she and husband Julian have never felt more ready to be parents.
Singling out her spouse for praise, she called him her “rock” and said her heart was bursting with love.
Five years before marrying Julian in 2016, Amanda came close to tying the knot with Aussie rugby union player Craig McMullen.
However, she got cold feet as the day approached and decided against it.
She told Hello! magazine last year: “I felt such relief. It was one of the bravest things I’d ever done but I’d turned it on my head and seen it as a weakness.”
She and Craig split soon after the wedding was called off and Amanda told how her approaching 40th birthday made her realise she had to change her mindset.
