Helen Skelton has made an emotional admission about how losing family members at a young age has changed her outlook on life. The Morning Live presenter, who celebrated her 43rd birthday last month, said being in her 40s is a "privilege" and that she feels grateful for everything she has.
Grateful for life
"I lost cousins young, and I'll never take it for granted. I wish everything was a bit tighter and a bit perkier and a bit easier, but it's not. We are where are are and I'm grateful," the presenter shared.
Speaking to Closer magazine, the mother-of-three went on to say she feels fortunate to have "healthy" parents and children who "are fun", adding: "This is a real sweet spot that's not going to last forever."
Family and career
Helen shares three children — Ernie, 11, Louis, nine, and Elsie, four — with her ex-husband Richie Myler. Following their separation in 2022, she competed on Strictly Come Dancing alongside Gorka Márquez, finishing as runner-up.
That same year, Helen, who recently denied she is dating her co-star Gethin Jones, also took on a presenting role at BBC Radio 5 Live. However, she stepped down just over a year later, telling listeners that "the juggle is real".
Leaving Radio 5 Live
Signing off from her final weekend show, she said at the time: "That's it for me on Sundays for now. Thank you for your company over the last year, I've loved every minute of our time together on this show."
"Thank you to all of the team, thank you to all of you. Maybe we'll meet again soon," she added, appearing emotional.
Explaining her decision further, Helen continued: "I'm not all right about it but you know, needs must. The juggle is real. An eight-year-old with a sideline needs me."
Finding balance
In her latest interview, Helen insisted she has since found a healthier work-life balance, allowing her to make the most of the summer holidays with her children.
"I'm lucky that a lot of my work slows down over the summer holidays, Morning Live finishes the week before the kids break up and it's back on the week they go back," she shared.
"Much of my work falls through the winter and I drive to work at 3am, do long days and I have to stay overnight in hotels," she added. "But I do all that for this."
Parenting style
Offering another insight into family life, Helen revealed her children "have never had a nap time".
"They fall asleep when they fall asleep. I'm not saying it's a great way to parent – it bites me on the backside many times and it would stress lots of people out – but it works for me," she explained.
"In the blink of an eye they'll be teenagers, and I won't be able to get them out of bed."
