Daphne Govers, the former wife of darts legend Michael van Gerwen, has announced she's expecting a baby with her new partner Robert next month.
The revelation comes just seven months after the couple ended their marriage, with Daphne openly acknowledging she made "a mistake."
"Of course a mistake was made on my part," she told Dutch TV channel Shownieuws.
"Everyone knows that. We don't have to hide that. I'd rather keep the story private."
Michael van Gerwen has admitted he has probably had the 'worst year of his life'
|PA
The 36-year-old three-time world champion announced their separation back in May with "great sadness" after more than ten years together. The pair share two children.
Speaking to the Dutch programme, Daphne explained that falling pregnant came as a complete shock given her medical history.
"I didn't expect it. I was at the hospital with the other two, too," she said. "I couldn't have gotten pregnant naturally. If it does happen, it'll be a miracle."
The news left her reeling initially, with Daphne admitting her "world was completely turned upside down" as she grappled with how to cope.
"How am I going to handle this? But in the end, it all worked out. It's more than welcome," she added.
Daphne Govers has revealed she is pregnant just months after splitting up with Michael van Gerwen
|Shownieuws
When asked about van Gerwen's feelings on the pregnancy, Daphne was cautious: "I wouldn't dare say. I don't think very happy, but I really don't know."
The Dutchman has been remarkably candid about the turmoil he's faced this year, previously telling Dutch outlet AD that the situation was beyond anything he could have imagined.
"I couldn't write this script myself, so I'll have to deal with it in a way I think is right," van Gerwen said.
Following the split, he stepped away from tournaments and took the summer off to process everything, attending festivals like Tomorrowland and enjoying time in Ibiza with his children.
"You could just sit around and grieve all day, but that's pointless. So you do fun things, take time for yourself," he explained.
Van Gerwen has made clear he's determined to put his "worst year" behind him as he competes at this year's World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Micheal van Gerwen split from his wife earlier this year | Instagram @mvg180The Dutch star has been bullish about his prospects, brushing off questions about potential rivals Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
"I don't care about Luke and Luke at this moment," van Gerwen said. "I just need to concentrate myself on my own performance. I can't meet them until the semi-finals and final anyway."
His next challenge is third-round opponent Arno Merk, a debutant, with a possible fourth-round meeting against Gary Anderson awaiting.
Michael van Gerwen and his wife Daphne announced their split this year after 11 years together
| INSTAGRAMVan Gerwen claimed world titles in 2014, 2017 and 2019, but lost last year's final to Littler.