2026: A Year of Bumps and Baby Joy for Aussie Stars
The buzz is building as 2026 shapes up to be a year filled with exciting new arrivals for a host of familiar faces. From the sporting arena to reality television and the national news desk, Australian celebrities are sharing their heartwarming journeys to parenthood, and we’re thrilled to be on bump watch. These announcements, often made with touching social media posts, highlight the incredible anticipation and joy that comes with expanding a family.
Sporting Sweethearts and New Beginnings
Christian and Bella Petracca: A Footballer’s Next Chapter
AFL star Christian Petracca and his wife, Bella, have shared the joyous news that they are expecting their first child. The Melbourne-based couple, who tied the knot in December 2024, announced their pregnancy with a sweet Instagram post featuring a sonogram. The caption, “Baby boy on the way,” has sent waves of congratulations through the football community and beyond.
The pair, who got engaged in Italy in 2022, have recently relocated to Queensland following Christian’s move from the Melbourne Demons to the Gold Coast Suns. This significant life change, now coupled with the impending arrival of their son, suggests they are firmly settling into their new home. While the exact due date remains private, fans are already speculating about whether the young Petracca will follow in his father’s celebrated footsteps on the football field, with one fan optimistically declaring, “project petracca jr begins now.” Christian’s recovery from a serious on-field injury in 2024, which included four broken ribs, a lacerated spleen, and a punctured lung, makes this period of anticipation even more special, signifying a triumphant return to a different kind of fulfilment.
Reality TV Stars Expanding Their Broods
Robby Lippett and Alyssa: “Big Bro Club” Welcomes a New Member
Robby Lippett, a fan favourite from the 2025 season of The Block, has announced that he and his partner, Alyssa, are expecting their second child. Their son, Brooks, is set to become a big brother, as confirmed by an adorable social media post featuring Brooks sporting a “Big bro club” jumper alongside a sonogram.
“Brooks’ bestie is arriving in October,” Robby captioned the announcement, indicating a close age gap between the siblings. Brooks was born in September 2024, meaning the new arrival will be just over two years younger. Robby and his on-screen best mate Mat charmed viewers with their laidback dynamic and memorable renovation journey on The Block, which notably included the discovery of a hidden wine cellar. This new chapter promises even more excitement for the growing family.
Brooke Jowett and Chris Cavanaugh: Double the Chaos, Double the Love
Australian Survivor star Brooke Jowett and her ultra-runner partner, Chris Cavanaugh, are expanding their family once again. Following the arrival of their daughter, Parker, in September 2023, the couple is now eagerly anticipating their second child, due in November 2026.
Brooke shared the news in a heartwarming Instagram reel, featuring Chris and Parker, with her hand cradling her baby bump and an ultrasound image in hand. The caption, “A little more chaos, a whole lot more love,” perfectly encapsulates their excitement for baby number two. This announcement comes shortly after Brooke’s return from filming Australian Survivor: Redemption, her third appearance on the acclaimed game show. While she’s hinted at a potential fourth outing, the new baby might necessitate a well-deserved break. As with Parker, the gender of their new arrival is being kept under wraps, but given their penchant for gender-neutral names, their next child might well feature on any unisex baby name list.
Dan and Dani Reilly: A Rainbow Baby on the Horizon
The Block alumni Dan and Dani Reilly have announced they are expecting their second child, with a due date in 2026. The news comes with a powerful message of hope and remembrance, as they prepare to welcome a sibling for their late daughter, Billie Vera Reilly.
“As sure as the sun rises and sets each day, she is with us for this next chapter… Billie’s sibling coming 2026,” they shared on Instagram, accompanied by a poignant note acknowledging those navigating pregnancy and infant loss, IVF, and fertility challenges. Their journey to this pregnancy has been marked by profound grief following the tragic loss of Billie at just 10 days old in December 2024. In honour of Billie’s memory, Dan and Dani established Billie’s Besties, a charity dedicated to supporting families and children in need, transforming their personal sorrow into purposeful action. As of November 2025, Billie’s Besties has raised over $165,000 for the Women’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and its families. The couple, married in 2018, are now looking forward to this new chapter, carrying Billie’s love with them.
Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli: MAFS Sweethearts Expecting Number Two
Married at First Sight favourites Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli are expanding their family, announcing they are expecting their second child. Their two-year-old son, Lucius, was featured in a sweet video kissing his mother’s growing bump, a heartwarming sign of his impending role as a big brother.
Martha, 37, shared the news with a playful caption: “Knocked up n’ knocked out. Will be back bigger and better soon … fingers crossed!” The couple, who met on the 2019 season of MAFS, welcomed Lucius in early 2023. Martha experienced severe hyperemesis gravidarum during her first pregnancy, a condition that led to hospitalisation. She candidly shared her struggles, detailing extreme nausea and significant weight loss. Fellow celebrities and friends were quick to offer their support, with TV presenter Renée Bargh noting the particular challenges of navigating pregnancy with a toddler, especially with HG. Martha and Michael, who have been engaged since 2021, are now preparing for the arrival of their second child.
News and Inspirational Journeys
Sarah Abo: A Personal Triumph Shared Live on Air
Today show host Sarah Abo, 40, shared her emotional journey to pregnancy live on air, announcing she and her husband, Cyrus Moran, are expecting their first baby. Tears welled as she revealed, “I’m going to try and fail to maintain my composure. But yes, Cyrus and I are expecting a little baby.”
Sarah bravely spoke about the difficulties she faced in conceiving, stating, “It hasn’t been the easiest journey to get here… It’s not as easy as you sometimes think that pregnancy will be. So, it has been a bit of a bumpy ride, but here we are.” She acknowledged that they are now “almost halfway.” Her co-host, Karl Stefanovic, was visibly moved, commending her “strength and courage” during what he knew had been a challenging time. Sarah hopes that by sharing her story, she can help foster greater awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding fertility struggles, highlighting the emotional toll and the often-invisible battles many face.
In a heartfelt Instagram post following the segment, Sarah reiterated her joy and her continued nerves. “Yes, there is a baby in there,” she wrote. “It’s our happy news after a bit of a bumpy ride. But I am still pretty terrified!” She extended her love and support to others experiencing similar challenges, assuring them, “while it feels so lonely when you’re in it, please know that you’re absolutely not alone.” Sarah, who was born in Syria, has been married to Cyrus since 2012.
Sheila and Tyson: A Miraculous Second Chance at Motherhood
For Sheila, 49, and her husband Tyson, the arrival of baby number two is nothing short of a miracle. Appearing on the reality series Big Miracles, the couple shared their exciting news: Sheila is 17 weeks pregnant, using the same donor as for their first child, Phoenix, born in 2024.
Sheila, who will give birth just shy of her 50th birthday, approached this pregnancy with a grounded perspective. “I was not attached to the outcome, but I was devoted to the process. I needed to know, in my heart and soul, that I had followed it through,” she explained. The first trimester brought intense exhaustion, prompting her to fiercely guard her energy and embrace a slower pace. She believes this baby is already shaping her into a calmer, more focused individual.
Sheila is candid about not wanting to glamorise late motherhood but is a testament to its possibility. “Late blooming is not a consolation prize. It is often the result of years of healing, courage, and shedding what no longer serves,” she stated. Their path has been publicly documented, including the heartbreak of age-related infertility, failed IVF rounds, and the significant decision to use donor eggs. Sheila’s message to others considering the donor path is one of profound reassurance: “Every fear dissolves when your child arrives. What remains is love.” Sheila is due mid-August.
International Stars and Local Celebrations
Sam Mac and Rebecca James: A Growing Family of Five
Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac and his fiancée, Rebecca James, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third child, due this July. Sam shared the news on Instagram with a touch of humour, showcasing the realities of family photoshoots with young children.
“Baby Mac #3 coming this July,” he announced, accompanied by images depicting the “negotiations involved to get a 3 year old to appear in a photo…Wowsers.” He humorously added, “You’ll notice a bribery cookie, we had a bubble machine, I think at one point I even promised Margot a Pony.” He praised Rebecca’s well-being and expressed excitement for their daughter Mabel to experience being a big sister. This announcement adds to a significant period for Sam, who recently celebrated a decade on air, now looking forward to expanding his family to five.
Hannah Neeleman: Ballerina Farm’s Ninth Arrival
Hannah Neeleman, 35, and her husband Daniel, the duo behind the popular Ballerina Farm, are preparing to welcome their ninth child. The announcement was made on February 25th through a charming dance-themed advertisement for their Farmer Protein Powder.
The Neeleman family is already a bustling household with eight children, ranging from teenagers to their youngest, Flora Jo, born in January 2024. Notably, Hannah was crowned Mrs. American 2023 while 20 weeks pregnant. With a substantial following across Instagram and TikTok, Hannah shares her life on the farm, parenting insights, and homemaking tips with millions of devoted fans.
Tyra Johannes and Kale Roberts: Love Island Success Story Continues
Love Island Australia winners Tyra Johannes and Kale Roberts are embarking on their most significant adventure yet: parenthood. The couple, who found love in the 2023 villa during Season 5, shared their surprise pregnancy announcement via a touching video on Instagram.
“In September we welcome the next chapter of our lives,” they wrote in a joint post. “What a ride we have had together so far and cannot wait for what’s to come. We love you so much already little one.” The accompanying video featured a sonogram, with the heartwarming caption “love becomes three,” marking a beautiful new beginning for the reality TV couple.
