Celebrity News

Ben Barrington’s baby joy

We catch up with the Shorty star and his long-time love as they await the arrival of their bundle of joy
Ben Barrington

When Shortland Street’s Ben Barrington and his love of three years, make-up artist Kristie Fergus, found out they were having a little boy, the smitten couple were overjoyed.

Then, two months later, once they had whittled down their list of boys names to three, they were shocked to find out they were actually having a precious girl – but the lovebirds couldn’t be happier!

“I’m looking forward to experiencing all the love and emotion that comes along with raising a child and having that relationship with this baby girl,” gushes Ben, who plays suave Dr Drew McCaskill on the hit TV2 soap.

Ben, 39, hasn’t always thought being a dad was on the card but it was something he hinted at when the former Dancing with the Stars contestant spoke to Woman’s Day earlier in the year. He previously told us, “Kristie and I have talked about having children. She is a wonderful woman and things just keep getting better.”

While the pair is a little concerned with juggling a teen and a new-born – Kristie is mum to 14-year-old son Olly – Ben says there is a big bonus to the age gap. “Olly’s of legal baby-sitting age – that’s all that matters,” laughs the Offspring star, before cheekily adding, “He’s going to be looking forward to four to five years of Friday nights at home!”

Now, at our exclusive shoot, the couple are a picture of happiness. Perched on her handsome man’s knee, laughing and cracking jokes throughout, 36-year-old Kristie looks glowing and relaxed – a different picture from how she was feeling a few months ago.

Watch Ben and Shane Cameron talk about their experience on DWTS – story continues after the video

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While Ben and Kristie have said the past eight months have been “amazing”, it started out incredibly difficult with the mum-of-one battling persistent morning sickness, a pregnancy-related heart murmur and diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

The final countdown is officially on and now the loved-up pair is eagerly awaiting the arrival of their bundle of joy, due in just a few short weeks’ time.

For the full story on all their medical dramas, pick up the latest copy of Woman’s Day, out now!

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