Former England footballer turned pundit Steph Houghton and her husband Stephen Darby, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018, have shared some happy news17:46, 25 Jul 2026Football icon Steph Houghton has announced she is expecting her first baby with husband, Stephen Darby. The 38-year-old former England player has been married to ex-Darby right-back player Stephen, 37, since 2018.‌And on Saturday, the BBC Sport pundit shared the happy news that she and Stephen will become parents in a few months soon. Taking to Instagram, the FIFA Women's World Cup runner-up shared a photo of a heart shaped cake with the words "Oh baby" written in icing across the top.‌Lit candles and dried flowers were positioned on either side of the cake - while a string of ultrasound photos showed the tiny bundle of joy that will soon be born into the world. The image was shared to the former footballer's 257,000 followers alongside a cute pregnancy announcement.‌Steph wrote: "Half of You. Half of Me. Our family will soon be three!" And revealing their child will arrive before the end of the year, the soon-to-be mum added: "Baby Darby 2026." She also tagged her husband in the announcement.Friends, fans and famous followers were quick to jump on the happy news to share congratulatory words to the couple. TV star Helen Skelton was among those reacting to the post, sharing jubilant emojis in response.‌Fellow footballer Alex Greenwood wrote: "Wow The best news, so happy for you both... congratulations" - and added a string of kisses. Fellow footballer turned pundit Alex Scott also added to the celebratory posts, writing: "Awwwww, amazing news!!! Congratulations so happy for you both."Chloe Kelly wrote: "Oh yes" alongside a number of red heart emojis. And I'm A Celeb star Jill Scott added: "The best news cant wait for a cuddle already xxx" along with a number of red heart emojis of her own.‌Steph and Stephen have been open about many aspects of their lives in the past - including the challenges and trials they faced after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018.Opening up to the Guardian in 2024, Steph explained how she is helping her husband - whose condition can make it difficult to swallow as the condition continues to effect his muscles. She revealed: "Over the last few months it became a bit risky having food and that's when the decision had to be made."We need Stephen to keep weight on and to eat... It hasn't been a great few months because these decisions are life-changing and it takes a lot of time to get used to. But ultimately it's the best thing for him. It allows him to relax a bit more."‌The former Manchester City star went on to explain that she and her husband had "good and bad days" as they continued to adapt to his condition. Steph said: "In the first few years it was so hard to take in."You don't want to believe it because you're like: 'Why us? We're only young and Stephen should still be playing football. It's not fair.' But the more you dwell on it, the more that it harms you. So I've learnt how important it is to be positive."Stephen himself enjoyed a football career before his illness cut short his life on the pitch. He played for Bolton, Liverpool and Bradford - and was just 29 when he was delivered his life-changing diagnosis.Article continues belowThe couple have spotlighted charities that work to cure motor neurone disease. In 2024, they took part in a huge 178-mile walk from Bradford to Anfield for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .