Reality-TV couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic have suffered one heartbreaking setback after another in their quest to build a family. 

While undergoing IVF treatments, E! host Giuliana suffered a miscarriage in 2010. She was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer and the couple decided to turn to a surrogate.

Tears turned to joy when their surrogate Delphine delivered their child in 2012, with the emotional journey and birth of son Duke all charted on their reality show, Giuliana and Bill (shown on Foxtel’s Style channel).

“Duke is our life,” says Giuliana, 39.

Trying to give him a sibling, the couple were elated to learn recently that Delphine was again pregnant with their child – but tragically miscarried the baby at nine weeks. 

“It’s something that we didn’t see coming,” says Bill, 43. “We were devastated.

“Delphine is amazing. We hit the surrogate lottery when we met her. Obviously this was no fault of hers. It’s a double sadness. We didn’t want her to feel bad. And Giuliana was rather distraught at first, but she’s tough. In times like this we rely on our faith.”

“It was just heartbreaking,” agrees Giuliana. “I just started sobbing uncontrollably. But I had to get myself together for her. She’s really strong and amazing.” 

Now, the TV presenter reveals the couple have only one embryo left. “I’m on cancer medication for a few more years,” she says. “I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that I may never carry a child. With that said, this next embryo, there’s no guarantees. In that case, that’s it.” 

“We’re fighters,” says Bill. “Duke was a gift after a miscarriage. Delphine will be on board for one more try, so we’re certainly optimistic about the future and hope that we’re going to be able to give him a little brother or sister.”