The Challenge UK star Arabella Chi has opened up about her fertility struggles and heartbreaking miscarriage ahead of giving birth next month. The 34-year-old, who appeared on the Channel 5 series hosted by Mark Wright, is expecting her first child, a girl, with partner Billy Henty.
Arabella first shot to fame when she appeared on season five of ITV’s Love Island back in 2019, alongside islanders Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury. Arriving at the villa as a bombshell, the model only lasted a week before being booted out, but made a lasting impression on viewers and has been able to carve out an impressive career as an influencer and TV personality.
On Channel 5’s The Challenge: UK, reality stars had to face off against one another to win prize money. Arabella was paired up with Strictly star AJ Pritchard to reach the final and eventually come in fourth place behind fellow Love Islander Kaz Crosley and Made in Chelsea’s Tristan Phipps.
Now, Arabella is getting ready for a brand new challenge – motherhood – as she prepares to welcome her daughter in May. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Arabella has opened up about her difficult journey to becoming a mum. Following a whirlwind romance with partner Billy, the star was delighted when they discovered she was pregnant in July last year. In addition to the excitement of becoming a parent, it was a relief for Arabella, who had feared she might be unable to have children naturally after being diagnosed with the incurable condition Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Discussing how long it took to be diagnosed with PCOS, she said: “I was on the pill at such a young age because I always had really bad acne. I always had problematic skin. Doctors suggested the pill to level out my hormones, and I think that masked the PCOS for so long, because my periods were never really that bad.”
Arabella explained that it was only when she decided to come off the pill a few years ago that her menstrual cycle went berserk. She went on: “I said to my dad, this time I'm next year, if I'm not with anyone, I want to freeze my eggs. I had been on the pill for so long that I was a bit worried that I might not be able to have children. So I came off it so I could see what would happen with my hormones, and then, unfortunately, I had a miscarriage. It was with my partner at the time; it was a very, very early miscarriage, but it was obviously devastating. But then at the same time, it kind of made me relieved because I knew that I could get pregnant.”
Arabella says that following the miscarriage, she began experiencing excruciating period pain. She said: “I was bedbound for two days, and the pain was chronic and debilitating; I was just aching and aching, and there was so much blood. I then noticed I started getting excessive hair, and my acne came back. I tried everything, facials, laser, changes in diet, but nothing was really helping.
“I went to have my hormones tested, and it came back showing that my testosterone was higher, which is a sign of PCOS. I then had an ultrasound and was diagnosed. The doctors explained that it didn’t mean I couldn’t have children, but it was something I would have to take into consideration when I wanted to have them in the future.
"Being pregnant has been like an emotional roller coaster, especially when I see her moving and I'm like now like, 'oh my gosh, there is a baby literally in there that can hear me talking now'. When she's moving around, I know when she's awake and when she's asleep. She had hiccups for the first time last night. We're so excited, we can't wait."
Arabella admits that if someone had told her in January 2024 that she would be expecting the following year, she would have laughed in their face, but she believes everything happens for a reason.
This spiritual aspect is something that she has incorporated into her new range for jewellery brand Say it With, which she launched in time for Mother’s Day. Featuring a selection of signs and symbols, including the angel number 11:11, which is meant to signify new beginnings and a sign to stay on the right path, and the protective ‘Evil Eye’.
Arabella added, "I've always loved all the angel numbers, I've had my tattoo for years, and I love all the evil eyes. I've always been into that side of spirituality and yoga, and the hamsa hands. I love layering the pieces and mixing them up. They're gorgeous gifts and so affordable."
