Helen Skelton has opened up about the profound impact of losing cousins at a young age, revealing it has made her cherish every moment. The Morning Live host, who turned 43 last month, described reaching her 40s as a "privilege" and expressed deep appreciation for her 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 broadcaster shared.
Family Focus
Speaking to Closer magazine, the mum-of-three said she feels fortunate to have "healthy" parents and children who "are fun", noting: "This is a real sweet spot that's not going to last forever."
Helen has three children – Ernie, 11, Louis, nine, and Elsie, four – with her former husband Richie Myler. After their split in 2022, she competed on Strictly Come Dancing with Gorka Márquez, finishing as runner-up.
Career and Balance
That same year, Helen began presenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, but left just over a year later, telling listeners "the juggle is real". She explained: "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."
In her recent interview, Helen said she has now found a better work-life balance, allowing her to enjoy the summer 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 revealed.
"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 continued. "But I do all that for this."
Parenting Philosophy
Helen also shared that her children "have never had a nap time". She said: "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."
Reflecting on the fleeting nature of childhood, she added: "In the blink of an eye they'll be teenagers, and I won't be able to get them out of bed."
