EXCLUSIVE: Ryan Libbey, fiancé of former Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson, has spoken candidly about supporting her through life-threatening health complications following the birth of their son Leo…
Ryan Libbey is opening up on the highs and lows with his family
Ryan Libbey – fitness instructor, ‘dadfluencer’ and soon-to-be kids’ author – has had to step up in recent years to support his fiancée, former Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson.
The pair, who are parents to son Leo, four, have been to hell and back, as Louise, 36, fell seriously ill after Leo’s birth with life-threatening complications and has battled significant health issues since.
Now, happy and healthy, Ryan says the family are looking to the future, which includes his dream of putting out four kids’ books. He’s also excited about getting involved in a new capsule collection for kids’ clothing brand, Roarsome.
Here, Ryan, 36, talks about the highs, the lows and life with his beloved family…
Hi, Ryan! How are you all? It’s been a roller-coaster since Leo was born…
It was the hardest chapter of my life. It tested every inch of me, and us as a family. There was a moment in time when we all felt that we were fighting this giant uphill battle that we couldn’t recover from. We just prayed it was going to pass. As Louise got better and healthier, the environment and energy at home got better.
How was Leo through it all?
Leo settled more, because his mum’s more involved. Initially, I was fighting against biology. A newborn yearns for their mummy. But that wasn’t accessible, because Louise was so unwell. But she’s great now. It’s been a long road, but Louise has just released her second collection of a Petite women’s range with Nobody’s Child. She’s not held back by health any more. She’s doing the stuff she should be and it’s great to see.
Has it all made you stronger as a couple?
Without a doubt. I had to make big changes on how I communicate, particularly with Louise. As men, we try to fix things, and I was too hasty when what she needed most during her most unwell times was me to be in the room, hold her hand and reassure her. I was trying. I just thought if I remove the outside stress, she could relax, but her love language is not that. She’s tactile, quality time and reassuring words versus acts of service. If I was in hospital and you brought me an iPad and a pizza, I’d be like, “You’re the best thing in the world!” That didn’t work with her.
Becoming parents changes everything as well…
Yes. I have to appreciate that if Leo gets up at 2am, like last night, and wants a cuddle with Louise… Well, I tell you what happens, I roll out of my side and go to the spare room! I don’t fight it, because we’ll both miss this when we’re older.
What are the most magical moments of parenthood?
We spent the summer with Leo, stepped away from work and travelled a lot. I write a letter to him every week called Letters to Leo, and the one the other week was about how you spell love. In the letter, I said you spell it T-I-M-E. Because kids don’t know the definition of love, but they know what it feels like, and it’s time with mum and dad.
You must have had some funny parenting disasters?
We’ve had moments where out of nowhere he throws these tantrums, properly sprawled out on the pavement. But we’re blessed. Somehow, with the start he had, which was less than fortunate, he’s turned out to be a really good kid.
And what about his doting uncle Sam?
Oh, they’re besotted with each other. When Leo was a baby, Sam was like, “I don’t know what to do.” Even for dads, that first year is difficult, you don’t get much back. But now, because Leo’s got a personality, and loves football, they’ve become sweet little buddies.
You live next to each other…
We do, Leo’s constantly standing on the fence to look at Sam, and then Sam takes him off the fence. Sam’s just got a ladder for this reason. Sam’s softened up – he’s OK staying at home on a weekend with the family, doing wholesome things.
Who does Leo take after?
Everyone says he’s my double. But Louise is petite and pretty, and Leo is too. He’s a mix of us.
Tell us about your collab with clothing brand Roarsome…
I first connected with the guys at Roarsome a year ago and realised we’re in a similar stage of life – late thirties with sons. We share this desire to give our boys a very adventurous, outdoorsy childhood. I was having coffee with them, talking about the books I’m working on and it went from there. I’m writing four books about my version of fatherhood in a child-friendly way.
Tell us about the books…
I told the Roarsome guys that the characters are a family of bears, how Mama Bear injured her paw, and that removes her from the picture in the first book. They were like, “Wow, this is lovely, turning something traumatic into an adventure series with father and son.” They gave me an opportunity to create a new character to the animal kingdom at Roarsome – that’s where the bear comes from. Though it’s called Grizz for the collection, it’s actually Leo.
What does Grizz represent?
That quiet bravery and wild streak – all the things I’m hoping to instill in Leo. Roarsome have different categories – ski, surf, ride, anything on two and four wheels – and in the last year we’ve done it all. We’ve surfed, skated, skied. It’s all the things Roarsome are doing in terms of supporting kids in those environments. It’s about giving kids the opportunity to get off screens and step into a character that gives them the courage and desire to hit that bike trail, or jump in the sea. It resonates completely with me.
The Roarsome x Ryan Libbey Grizz The Bear collection is available now. Shop at Roarsome’s flagship store (SW11 6QP) or online at roarsome.com
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