BBC Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton has spoken out about persistent romance rumours with her co-host Gethin Jones, describing the speculation as 'wild' and reiterating that they are simply close friends and colleagues.
Skelton Addresses Engagement Rumours
In a new interview with The Times, the 42-year-old mother of three revealed that even her best friend had congratulated her on an engagement to Jones. 'It's wild. I've had my best friend congratulate me on our engagement,' she said. 'We're not [together]. We work together; he's one of my best friends.'
Skelton, who was previously married to rugby player Richie Myler before their split in 2022, has consistently denied any romantic involvement with Jones, calling them 'just work friends'. The pair host the BBC show together twice a week, and their on-screen chemistry has fuelled speculation.
Dating Apps and Family Comments
When asked about dating apps, the former Blue Peter presenter said she 'couldn't think of anything worse', adding that her dad keeps mistakenly saying she's on Tinder when he means Vinted.
Skelton also shared a light-hearted exchange with her children: 'My daughter said to me today, 'Why haven't you got a wedding ring on, Mummy?' My middle son said, 'Do you think you'll die alone?' I just laughed. I said, 'I'll die happy.''
Red Carpet Speculation
Rumours intensified after the TV duo were pictured together at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards in 2024, leaning into one another on the red carpet. Skelton played down the suggestion, stating: 'We just work together, we are not together. No, no, no. We are just work friends.' She added: 'They printed pictures of us at work and we're together because we are at work together.'
Jones, who was previously engaged to singer Katherine Jenkins, echoed her sentiments, saying: 'We're best friends. We're very honest with one another.'
Jones to Step Away from Morning Live
Skelton's comments come as Jones prepares to step away from Morning Live on a short-term basis to take up a new role as Team Wales' chef de mission at the Commonwealth Games. The Welshman will be off screens as he embarks on the job, which is expected to coincide with the show's regular summer break at the end of July.
The Games begin on July 23, and Jones previously told WalesOnline that his bosses had been supportive in granting him leave. 'I'm off this week and my boss is incredibly supportive of it. I think we're off air at the end of July, so it works out unbelievably well, but after this we'll be looking at the King's Baton Relay and the kit launch as well, which is so exciting,' he said.
Jones added: 'It's a real opportunity to see athletes after selection, which is on June 19. We'll really know the team then and that's when my job will really be important.'
