The presenter has opened up about her life and career since turning 40
Helen Skelton has admitted the ‘tricky bit’ of working with people she’s known for years, like Gethin Jones, as she shared her age-defying secrets after turning 40.
The presenter, now 42, has said she has embraced a sense of acceptance since turning 40, calling herself “chaotic, but great fun”, and that she has learnt to find freedom in the “chaos” of her busy life as a broadcaster and a single mother to three young children.
Speaking to Prima magazine, she said she has adopted the mantra: “We are who we are.” She added: “My house is chaos, my car’s a tip, I’m probably going to be late.
“I’ll turn up to a kid’s birthday party without the present wrapped and when my friends come to dinner, they bring their own food… I’m chaotic, but I’m great fun!”
Helen regularly appears on BBC1’s Morning Live, and was a contestant on Strictly in 2022 shortly after her split with ex-husband, rugby player Richie Myler. The pair co-parent their three children Ernie, Louis, and Elsie.
When asked about juggling her career and parenting, the presenter told the magazine: “I used to stress about coming back to work after having my kids, but now they love what I do. My eldest is gutted every year that I can’t do Strictly.” She added: “They also think I’m completely embarrassing.”
While Helen doesn’t share her love lif publicly, in October, she reignited speculation of a romance with Morning Live star Gethin Jones. But speaking about her closeness with her co-hosts on the BBC show, Gethin and Michelle Ackerley, Helen suggested there was nothing to the rumours.
She shared: “I’ve been friends with [presenters] Michelle and Gethin for 25 years. Geth was on Blue Peter before me, so we’ve always crossed paths, and Michelle and I were flatmates when we lived in London.
“We’re all in the same frame of mind. The tricky bit is, we’re such good mates that sometimes we forget we’re on air! I see my work friends as much as I do my real friends.”
Meanwhile, the TV star also spoke about the importance of “spending time with people who make you belly laugh”. She said: “Everyone gets so obsessed with resolutions – no sugar, early nights, herbal tea – but, honestly, laughter and time with your mates are just as good for you. Take the pressure off. Spend time with people who make you belly laugh – that’s the real reset.”
The January 2026 issue of Prima is now on sale.
