Ian Thorpe’s ex-boyfriend reveals the real reason the couple split
Ian Thorpe’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan Channing, has revealed the reason he and the Olympian split up now that he’s planning to raise a child without him.
Speaking to Who, he revealed that he will be welcoming a child of his own with the help of a surrogate.
“It’s going ahead without Ian … [I’d love to] have a little boy,” said the 29-year-old.
Channing, who says he is “halfway through the fertility process” is preparing himself for fatherhood.
“I’m just about to choose my surrogate. I’m really excited to bring a child into the world next year,” he said.
The former model and entrepreneur spoke candidly about his relationship with Thorpe, slamming claims that the reason for their split was because he had changed his mind about starting a family.
“There has been talk Ian wasn’t ready for a family. I can’t comment on his behalf, but that was never a discussion as to why we were separating,” he said.
“It was more around the busy lifestyles we lead now and the fact it was hard to manage the relationship with the travel schedules we have.”
The couple began dating in early 2015 and were together for four years. In January 2019, the pair had told the Daily Mail that they were ready to take the next step in their relationship and start a family together.
“We’re talking about it and have for a while, but it’s still early days,” said Thorpe at the time. “We decided to visit the clinic in LA – it’s all part of the plan at this stage.”
Channing felt the same way and was optimistic about having children.
“Becoming parents is something that Ian and myself would love to make happen,” said Channing.
The couple announced their split in late June.
Confirming the news to the Daily Telegraph, Channing revealed that they had chosen to go their separate ways.
“Yes the rumours are true, we have parted ways,” he told the publication. “It has all been very amicable. We have stayed friends. We have just gone our separate ways.”