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Rebecca Adlington spent lockdown with her new man, her daughter, her ex-husband and his new boyfriend

Danny Thompson
·Contributor
Updated ·2-min read
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 17: Rebecca Adlington attends Day Two of the British Swimming Championships at Tollcross International Swimming Centre on April 17, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Rebecca Adlington has opened up about her family lockdown arrangement. (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Olympic gold-medalist swimmer Rebecca Adlington has opened up about a happy lockdown arrangement that included living with her ex-husband and his boyfriend as well as her daughter and new man.

The 31-year-old, who shares five-year-old Summer with her ex-husband Harry Needs, is expecting her second child with new boyfriend Andrew Parsons.

The unconventional family unit decided to move in together to see out lockdown to ensure Summer got to see plenty of her father.

Read more: Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington reveals gender of unborn baby

Adlington told The Sun: “We are so on board when it comes to Summer. And Harry is so good with her. I loved lockdown with her and having that time together.”

Adlington and personal trainer Needs split in 2016 after being married for 18 months. He later revealed to Adlington that he was bisexual and introduced her and Summer to his new boyfriend, swimmer Michael Gunning.

Talking of their decision to lock down as one big family, Adlington added: “It was hard at times, don’t get me wrong, but I look at it now and think we’ll never get that time back and it was the situation we are in.

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So proud of @harryneeds for opening up yesterday. It was really brave and very honest. He opened up to me last year and I’m so glad he felt comfortable and confident enough now to share it. His sexuality doesn’t affect or change his ability to parent Summer. He’s a fantastic dad and our priority is always going to be Summer. We’ll always have each other’s back 💗

A post shared by Becky Adlington (@beckadlington) on

“And Summer didn’t know any different. Kids are way more adaptable and flexible than us adults. She took everything in her stride.”

Needs added: “Becky and I are extremely supportive of each other, and our lives now revolve around Summer who is our main priority.”

Read more: Rebecca Adlington announces she's pregnant with second child

Adlington took to social media last month to share news of another pregnancy.

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Andy and I are excited to announce that we’re expecting. Summer can’t wait, she asks everyday to check my belly to see if it’s growing. Going to be a long wait until the end of feb 🤣🙈! @andrewparsons5 #pregnant #14weeks #pregnancyannouncement #nosocialdistancinghere

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Sharing an image of her, Summer and Parsons holding an ultrasound scan photo, Adlington told followers she was 14 weeks pregnant.

She captioned the image: "Andy and I are excited to announce that we’re expecting.

"Summer can’t wait, she asks everyday to check my belly to see if it’s growing. Going to be a long wait until the end of feb!"

Watch: Rebecca Adlington on her marriage breakdown