Big Brother star and professional dancer Penny Higgs has announced the special news that she is expecting her first child, after seven years of IVF and heartbreak.
Penny appeared on Big Brother in 2014, and she starred on So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, placing in the top eight.
The reality show contestant has documented her journey on her social channels, where she has discussed her decision to have a baby on her own.
Penny broke the pregnancy news to her fans in an understandably emotional video on her YouTube account.
In the video, she is wearing activewear as she walks through nature and eventually finds a spot to share her surprise.
First, she explains that she is excited but ultimately scared to share her news.
“What I am about to tell you I am scared to come out and tell you,” she begins.
“Because I’ve never said this out loud yet, if I am very good friends with you and if I haven’t told you this is because I’ve been scared.”
“After about seven years and having my soul crushed and never giving up, I’m having a baby.”
The dancer is sobbing but visibly happy and relieved to open up about this new step in her journey.
Penny also posted a picture of her baby bump to Instagram to celebrate the exciting news.
She captioned the image, “I don’t have the words right now, there’s just too much.
“So for now, I made a video to explain this. It’s not often I’m stuck for words. But this is one of those moments.”
In December of last year, Penny shared the devastating news that she has suffered two miscarriages due to “unexplained infertility” issues.
In her announcement video she goes on to reflect on this time saying, “I have been struggling with this for so long, having multiple losses.
“My brain doesn’t think it’s real that it’s actually happening.
“I think it is happening, it is real.”
It is an inspiring moment when women take their fertility into their own hands, but it is still a relatively new experience.
Penny has explained why she chose to have a baby on her own in a video about her journey.
“I am choosing to do this alone because I can no longer wait till I meet the right person.”
“Of course I wanted love, of course I want that and I deserve that – but a healthy type of love.”
“If I wait until I meet the right person, I could miss out on my opportunity to be a mother,” said Penny.
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