Thank God you’re here!

By Shaun Inguanzo
HAMPTON Park baby Ella Larche couldn’t wait to become a television star after her premature birth almost took place on the set of a comedy television show.
So keen was she to leave the womb of mother Danielle Darragh, 24, that she almost popped out while her mum was filming a sketch alongside comedian Dave Hughes for Channel 10’s comedy Thank God You’re Here on 9 July.
The program aired last week and career model Ms Darragh – soon to be Larche when she marries fiance and father of Ella, Arno Larche, 26, in September – says her daughter is already following in her footsteps.
Little Ella can also stake a claim for fame after Ms Darragh appeared in the Cosmopolitan Pregnancy magazine released this week.
“(Thank God You’re Here) was doing a thing on the government’s baby bonus and I was playing Dave Hughes’ pregnant wife,” she said.
“In the sketch he was hanging out for his baby bonus, saying he wouldn’t work any more.
“We were actually at someone’s house in South Melbourne filming it.
“That morning I didn’t feel too well, and didn’t know if I would be able to do it.
“But my fiance had the day off work and he said, ‘I’ll take you in, you have to do it – it’s Thank God You’re Here!’
“People were making jokes. My friend Bianca said wouldn’t it be funny if I went into labour on the show.”
Ms Darragh’s mother made a similar joke, knowing that Ella wasn’t due until a week later.
But the joke scenario soon turned into reality television, when just hours after filming finished Ms Darragh entered labour.
After 17 hours, on 10 July, Ella entered the world to pursue a life of fame and fortune outside the womb.
“She was rubbing shoulders with the famous before she was born,” her proud mum declared.
“My fiance thought (the situation) was funny, although he was more relieved that I went into labour at night.
“He was scared he would have to come from Port Melbourne and would miss the birth.
“I don’t think he understood that it takes longer than half an hour for a baby to be born,” Ms Darragh said with a chuckle.
Ms Darragh and Mr Larche will marry on 21 September, and Ella is expected to again play a starring role.
“Mum is a dressmaker and is making Ella a little flower girl dress,” Ms Darragh said.