Helen Skelton has opened up about her incredibly close working relationship with Morning Live co-host Gethin Jones, admitting their long-standing friendship is so strong they occasionally forget they are broadcasting live on BBC One.
A Friendship Spanning Decades
The speculation about a romance between the two presenters has been building for months, fuelled by their recent appearances together on red carpets. Skelton, 42, has now spoken candidly about their bond in an interview with Prima Magazine. She explained that she has been friends with both Jones, 47, and fellow presenter Michelle Ackerley for a quarter of a century.
'Geth was on Blue Peter before me, so we've always crossed paths, and Michelle and I were flatmates when we lived in London,' Skelton revealed. This deep history, she says, creates a unique dynamic when they are filming the popular daytime show.
'We Forget We're On Air'
The presenter, who split from her ex-husband Richie Myler in 2022, described the trio as being 'all in the same frame of mind'. However, this camaraderie can lead to on-air moments of unscripted familiarity.
'The tricky bit is, we're such good mates that sometimes we forget we're on air,' Skelton confessed. 'I see my work friends as much as I do my real friends.'
This revelation comes just a week after the pair were seen cosying up on the red carpet at the Royal Television Society Awards, following a similar appearance at the Pride of Britain Awards in October. Their consistent public appearances have done little to quieten whispers that their friendship has turned romantic, with reports suggesting a relationship blossomed earlier this year.
Embracing Motherhood and a 'Chaotic' Life
Beyond the romance rumours, Skelton also discussed her life as a mother to three children: Ernie, 10, Louis, eight, and three-year-old Elsie. She shared that she has recently let go of 'mum guilt' after realising her children are proud of her career.
'I used to stress about coming back to work after having my kids, but now they love what I do,' she said, noting her eldest is disappointed she hasn't participated in Strictly Come Dancing. She added with humour that her children also find her 'completely embarrassing'.
The former Blue Peter host stated she does not plan to have more children, wanting to be fully available for the three she has. 'I'm really conscious I'm at that stage where they all really want me, and I want to be there for them all,' she explained.
Skelton also spoke about embracing the chaos of her life since turning 40, accepting that her house and car will never be perfectly tidy. 'My house is chaos, my car's a tip, I'm probably going to be late,' she said, describing her new mantra of self-acceptance. 'I'm chaotic, but I'm great fun!'
The full interview is available in the January issue of Prima, which is on sale now.
