Charlotte Van Looy, the pregnant partner of Belgian sports journalist Ruben Van Gucht, has publicly defended their relationship amid ongoing public scrutiny, stating that she and Van Gucht are “irreplaceable to each other.” The exclusive statement, shared with Belgian media outlet HLN on April 18, 2026, comes as the couple prepares for the arrival of their first child together later this year.
Van Looy, aged 32, confirmed her pregnancy in February 2026 through a personal Instagram post, announcing that she is expecting a daughter with Van Gucht. The news marked a significant development in the presenter’s personal life, as Van Gucht, aged 39, is already a father to a son named Mondo from his previous marriage to former high jumper Blanka Vlašić.
The announcement of her pregnancy intensified public attention on the couple’s relationship, which has drawn criticism due to Van Gucht’s openly acknowledged polyamorous lifestyle. Van Looy has previously addressed detractors on social media, describing negative comments as “disgusting and sickening” and expressing frustration with what she perceives as unwarranted judgment of her personal life.
In her latest remarks to HLN, Van Looy emphasized the strength and uniqueness of her bond with Van Gucht, declining to elaborate further on the nature of their relationship but affirming its central importance to both of them. She framed their connection as deeply personal and mutually irreplaceable, suggesting that outside commentary fails to understand the foundation of their partnership.
Van Gucht, a well-known figure in Belgian sports media through his work with Sporza, has not publicly disputed characterizations of his relationship structure. Earlier in 2026, he denied rumors of a separation from Vlašić, clarifying that while his marriage had ended, he maintains a respectful relationship with the mother of his eldest child.
The couple has consistently maintained that they do not feel obligated to justify their personal choices to the public or media. In prior statements, Van Looy has urged journalists and commentators to respect their privacy, using the phrase “no comment” as a boundary regarding inquiries into their relationship dynamics.
Despite the external attention, both Van Looy and Van Gucht have indicated that their focus remains on their growing family and personal well-being. Van Looy has highlighted the importance of shielding their private life from negativity, particularly as she prepares for motherhood, and has spoken about prioritizing peace and stability during her pregnancy.
The arrival of their daughter is expected mid-2026, based on the timeline of Van Looy’s February announcement. Neither party has disclosed specific details about the birth plan or postnatal intentions, maintaining their preference for discretion regarding family matters.
As of April 2026, Van Gucht continues his role as a sports presenter and commentator, covering national and international sporting events for Flemish audiences. His professional commitments have proceeded alongside the personal developments in his life, with no public indication of disruption to his work schedule due to the impending birth.