Helen Skelton has described the emotional moment all three of her children started school, saying “a part of your heart sinks” when you realise you are no longer packing their lunch.
The Morning Live presenter, 43, shares Ernie, 11, Louis, nine, and Elsie, four, with former husband Richie Myler. The couple separated in 2022. For the first time in 11 years, Skelton now has no children at home during the weekdays, after her youngest started school in September.
An Emotional New Chapter
“It’s wild,” she said. “Having them all in school is so weird. That first day when they all toddled off was emotional. The house was so quiet. My eldest started secondary, which is another new chapter we don’t talk about enough.”
She added: “I found that hard. I thought I was just being a helicopter parent, being bonkers. But a lot of my friends felt the same. You love that they’re gaining independence, but a part of your heart sinks when you realise you’re not packing their lunch any more.”
Family Philosophy and Village Parenting
Reflecting on the roller-coaster few years, Skelton said her parents’ age-old philosophy has kept her going. “My parents will say, ‘There’s always someone worse off than yourself.’ And they’re right. There’s nothing as sure as change – but you know what? The world keeps turning.”
The former Blue Peter presenter moved back to her native Cumbria from Leeds in 2022, following her separation. She said it is the perfect place for her children “to run about in wide open spaces”. She described her approach as “village-parenting”, with both family and school friends helping out.
“I told her yes, it is. But I love it. I was brought up in a house where everybody’s welcome. There were always extra people around the table. My friends still ask my parents for advice, still call in on them for a cup of tea. I want that, too. So, I feel like you’ve got to put that effort in, early doors.”
Fitness, Strictly and Outdoor Life
Skelton, who co-hosts Morning Live with Gethin Jones, said fitness plays a huge part in supporting her mental health. “I exercise to keep my head peachy, rather than my bum peachy.”
She said she would “give my right arm” to do Strictly Come Dancing again, having reached the final with Gorka Márquez in 2022. She also expressed interest in I’m A Celebrity…, though she has never received the call. “They know I’d enjoy it too much! They probably want somebody who’s just going to be terrified. But never say never.”
Skelton is launching her latest clothing collaboration with GO Outdoors, a brand she said she said yes to immediately five years ago when the offer first came in, despite her agent’s uncertainty. “Most people are chasing designer handbags and shoes. But me, I said yes immediately. It’s the perfect fit for me.”
With Christmas approaching, Skelton said she goes big for the festive season, but her mum goes even bigger. “She has two trees, lights everywhere. On Christmas Day last year, she even wrapped the doors with Christmas paper so the kids could burst through them!”
On being a single mum at Christmas, she said: “I think you play the cards you’re dealt. I’ve got a glass, let alone a glass that’s half-full. I’m very lucky in the situation I’m in. I’m well aware that there are plenty of people worse off than myself. I love my life.”
