In a refreshingly honest and wide-ranging interview, beloved television presenter Helen Skelton has opened up about everything from a mortifying encounter with a former Prime Minister to her deepest fears and proudest triumphs. The 42-year-old broadcaster, known for her roles on Blue Peter, Countryfile, and BBC Morning Live, shared the intimate details of her life and career.
Chaotic, Warm, and Unforgettably Northern
When asked to describe herself in just three words, Skelton's response was instantly relatable: "Chaotic, warm, northern." This self-assessment perfectly captures the spirit of the Cumbria-born star, whose career began at BBC Radio Cumbria. She has since become a fixture on British screens, from reporting on the London 2012 Olympics to voicing Annie in Fireman Sam.
Her most embarrassing moment, however, is tied to that Olympic year. After hosting the victory parade, she found herself on stage with then-Prime Minister David Cameron. "I had on a little skirt and when the prime minister came on everyone cheered," Skelton recalled. "I thought: 'Oh my God, they love David Cameron,' but they were cheering because my skirt had blown up, and I’d flashed my knickers at him."
Regrets, Fears, and Life on the Farm
Beyond the laughter, Skelton spoke candidly about more profound themes. Her greatest fear is reaching life's end feeling she "hasn't laughed enough." She identifies grief as a source of deep unhappiness, describing it as a "heavy emotion" that extends beyond people to situations, jobs, and friendships.
The trait she most deplores in others is jealousy, calling it "the thief of joy." When it comes to her own regrets, she has a very specific apology in mind: "To Gorka Márquez, who was my Strictly partner, for not winning the glitterball in 2022."
Her upbringing on a farm continues to shape her worldview. "The most important lesson life has taught me? That you get out of life what you put in," she stated. "When you grow up on a farm you literally reap what you sow." This ethos clearly drove her to complete three marathons in a single day and to master the high-wire walk at Battersea Power Station, which remains her favourite challenge.
Family, Future, and Fictional Castings
Now a mother of three living back in Cumbria, Skelton's focus is firmly on family. She credits her parents as "professional grandparents" who help without being patronising. To her children, she wants to leave "good memories" and the certainty that they were always her number one priority, though she admits more sleep would significantly improve her quality of life.
Looking ahead, she fears losing her eyesight with age, as she "lives for the view." If a film were ever made of her life, she envisions Kate Hudson taking on the role. And for those wondering about hidden talents, Skelton revealed a secret skill: "I can milk a cow."
Fans can see more of Helen Skelton in the new series of Lost and Found in the Lakes, which starts on 5 January on BBC One. Her autobiography, In My Stride, was published in 2023.
