Love Island star Chris Hughes's brother Ben has welcomed his first child with partner Olivia, following his testicular cancer battle that left him fearing he could not have children. The couple gave birth to a baby girl, Purdey Willa Hughes, on April 21, and announced her arrival on Instagram on Wednesday.
Announcement and Family Joy
The couple shared a series of images documenting their entire pregnancy journey, captioned: 'Purdey Willa Hughes 21st April 2026... Our lives changed in the best way forever. Olivia and I couldn't have dreamt that we would end up with such a beautiful little girl. We love her more than words can ever describe. We have spent the last 3 weeks in our little bubble!'
Chris's pop star ex-girlfriend Jesy Nelson sent her congratulations. Love Island alum Chris then posted multiple photos of himself bonding with his new niece on his Instagram account, with the caption: 'Uncle Chris, reporting for DUTY! For those who followed Ben + Olivia's journey, this is the most magical and beautiful beginning! Such a special little soul has entered their world! So HAPPY for them both, she is amazing!'
Uncle Chris's Bonding
Ben commented that Purdey 'loves you so much' on Chris's post, to which Chris joked: 'She hasn't even met me yet, slept the whole time.' Fans also congratulated the family, with one writing: 'Gorgeous! Congratulations to all.' Another said: 'Naw uncle Chris, you will be the best uncle! Beautiful photos. Congrats to Ben and Libby.' A third added: 'Congrats to your family! So happy for Ben and Olivia on their beautiful baby girl. Kids are an absolute gift and one of the happiest moments of your life, so lovely to see after their journey.'
Ben's Cancer Battle and Hope for Fatherhood
Ben was 'clinging to hope' of having children with Olivia after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2019. His sperm count remained low despite treatment. In 2019, Chris had his testicles checked live on This Morning to raise awareness amid his brother's battle. Four months after surgery, Ben was in remission and has remained cancer-free.
JoJo Siwa and Chris's Baby Plans
Ben's baby news comes four months after Dance Moms alum JoJo Siwa, 22, said she 'needs' to have a baby with her boyfriend Chris, whom she met in the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2025. JoJo told E! News: 'Meghan Trainor once told me, she said, 'You will know you love somebody when you love them so much you want to duplicate them and you want to pop a baby out that is made from them.' One of the first things that I said to her after I started dating Chris. I was like, 'I get what you're saying now.' I love [Chris] so much. I need there to be a mini [Chris].'
And Chris also wants to have children. In March, he told Closer magazine: 'I'd love to settle down and have a couple of kids because I come from a big family. I can't cope with too many, though I've always envisaged growing up and having children, especially as I'd love to teach them sport. That would be so fun.'
