Sky Sports presenter announces arrival of son after 'endless hospital visits'

Soccer Saturday presenter Simon Thomas has announced the arrival of his son - Theo Benjamin Thomas.

Simon, 51, and his wife Derrina Jebb shared the happy news with a post on Instagram.

In one sweet image, the newborn is cradled by Derrina, as Simon smiles at her. A second black-and-white shot shows the father and son spending some quality time together.

Alongside the photos, he wrote: 'After a long ten days of endless hospital visits and uncertainty, feel incredibly blessed to be able to say that Theo Benjamin Thomas was born this week - Ethan & Talitha have a little brother!

'After the drama and fear of Talitha's premature arrival nineteen months ago - this time was so different and we're so thankful for this.'

He continued: 'I'm so proud of Derrina. She was desperate to reach full term this time and she did it. She's the most incredible Mum and I know that he has a mother who will always be his biggest cheerleader.'

Simon added it had been a 'long few days' with 'drama' and that they are incredibly grateful to staff at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

The dad hopes to be at home with Derrina and Theo this weekend but apologised to Soccer Saturday viewers for not being on their screen.

'I hate missing work, especially now that we've reached the climax of the season; but family comes first so I won't be on #soccersaturday this weekend but will be back next week,' he explained.

The TV star has been open about the difficulties faced with Derrina before the birth of their daughter, Talitha, who arrived eight weeks premature. 

Speaking about the family's ordeal, Simon said at the time: 'Having thought we have got another eight weeks to get ready and buy all the stuff and just generally get ready for a new baby, she had an emergency C-section on Tuesday afternoon.

'We have got a very tiny, three pounds four, little baby girl, which is amazing. 

'It is such a range of emotions from fear on Tuesday - we were obviously highly worried that Derrina is going to be OK and the baby is going to be OK - to suddenly having new life in your hands,' he added while speaking on The Jeremy Vine Show. 

Simon and Derrina tied the knot in July 2021 and announced they were expecting their first child together in September 2022.

He is also father to teenage son Ethan from his first marriage to late wife Gemma, who died in 2017 shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. 

The presenter first found fame as a presenter on Blue Peter in 1999, where he stayed for six years.

He joined Sky Sports in 2005 and currently presents Soccer Saturday.

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