Helen Skelton, known for her roles on BBC's Morning Live and Strictly Come Dancing, has provided a rare insight into her emotional life, discussing grief and her hopes for romance.
Grief Beyond People
In a resurfaced interview from earlier this year, the 42-year-old presenter opened up about her experience of loss, which she said extends beyond people to encompass "situations and relationships." During the chat with the Guardian, Skelton was asked what causes her unhappiness. She replied: "Grief. It's one of those things you have to embrace; you grieve situations and jobs and friendships and relationships as well as people. It's a heavy emotion."
Reflections on Love and Sentiment
More recently, Skelton has reflected on her personal and professional life, particularly regarding the BBC programme Lost and Found in the Lakes. She revealed that poignant experiences led her to reconsider what she wants in future romantic partnerships. Discussing the series, where specialists reconnect sentimental objects with their owners, she recalled a touching moment involving a piece of jewellery that was a husband's first gift to his wife.
Speaking to the Radio Times' YouTube channel, she said: "It really taps into the value of sentiment, which is kind of an old fashioned thing in this day and age. You're giving them back a ring that they lost ages ago. They start talking about the day that they met 60 years ago and the old romantic in me goes, 'Oh, I want that!'"
She added: "I watch all these couples walk out of here and I'm like that's life goals isn't it? To spend your whole life with someone navigating ups and downs, jobs, kids, everything that life throws at you and life throws nonsense at you. To still be holding someone's hand at the end of all that is... that's the payday."
Past Marriage and Separation
Skelton was previously married to rugby player Richie Myler, with whom she shares three children. The couple confirmed their separation in 2022 after eight years together. At the time, she broke the news: "Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co parent our small children."
Addressing Romance Rumours
Speculation has been rife about a possible romance between Skelton and fellow presenter Gethin Jones, but both have dismissed the gossip. In December 2025, she set the record straight: "We just work together, we are not together. No, no, no. We are just work friends. They printed pictures of us at work and that we're together because we are at work together."
Catch Helen Skelton on Richard Osman's House of Games every evening this week at 6pm on BBC Two.
