Renowned Host Navigates the Challenges of Personal and Professional Life
In a heartfelt announcement, Helen Skelton, celebrated host and mother of three, has decided to step down from her role at BBC Radio 5 Live, choosing to redirect her focus towards her cherished family commitments.
A Tough Decision for Work-Life Balance
Helen Skelton, recognized for her dynamic presence on air, recently aired her final episode on BBC Radio 5 Live, revealing her intention to devote more time to her family. Taking over from the former host, Love Island’s Laura Whitmore, Helen took the helm of the Sunday morning segment for a year.
During her farewell episode, her colleague from 5 Live, Steve Crossman, expressed his melancholy over her departure. In response, Helen candidly shared, “It’s challenging, but my eight-year-old will understand this.” Elaborating on her decision, she added, “It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. Balancing professional commitments with being there for my eight-year-old, who’s engaged in various activities, poses its own challenges.”
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude, stating, “With this, my Sunday sessions come to a pause. I’m genuinely grateful for each of you who’ve accompanied me this past year. Every interaction has been special… To the entire team and the listeners, a massive thank you. Our paths might cross again. Farewells are tough, and I’ll save the sentimental part.”
Steve Crossman hailed Skelton’s contributions, acknowledging the joy of working alongside her and acknowledging the void her departure would create.
A Journey of Parenthood and Personal Choices
Helen, a co-parent with her former spouse Richie Myler, openly disclosed their separation last year. The renowned presenter of shows like Countryfile and Blue Peter announced their split on her Instagram, sharing, “Richie and I have regrettably decided to part ways. He’s moved out. We’re committed to raising our kids together.”
The duo, consisting of Helen Skelton and rugby league athlete Richie Myler, aged 33, are parents to three children: Ernie, aged eight, Louis, aged six, and the youngest, Elsie Kate, born in 2021.
A Journey of Success and Advocacy
Prior to her radio career, Helen gained popularity as a prominent contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, securing the second position alongside her dance partner, Gorka Márquez. The experience not only brought dance moves but also bolstered her self-confidence.
Helen’s contributions extend beyond her radio stint to the BBC’s Rio 2016 Olympics coverage, shows like Newsround, Blue Peter, Countryfile, and segments focused on aquatic sports for the BBC.
She’s also been an outspoken advocate for gender pay equality in the media. In 2018, she openly criticized the industry’s gender pay gap, discussing her dissatisfaction with the remuneration discrepancies between her and her female colleagues. She highlighted the importance of keeping discussions on pay disparities engaging and relevant, urging the avoidance of public disinterest through impactful conversations.
