Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones has opened up about his new role away from the BBC daytime show. Last year, the broadcaster, 47, was appointed Team Wales' chef de mission at this summer's Commonwealth Games and will oversee the Welsh delegation.
As chef de mission, Jones is responsible for leading and supporting the Welsh delegation, acting as the public face of the team and representing Wales at official Commonwealth Games events. To prepare for the position, the former Blue Peter presenter returned to university to complete a Master's degree in Sports Directorship while continuing his broadcasting career.
Team Wales at the Games
Months of planning come to fruition this week as around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories compete across 16 sports over 10 days in Glasgow. Team Wales is represented by 114 athletes across 10 sports, including athletics and para athletics, swimming and para swimming, artistic gymnastics, boxing, judo, netball, weightlifting, bowls and para bowls, track cycling and para track cycling, and 3x3 wheelchair basketball.
Among Wales’ leading medal contenders are Olympic cycling medallist Emma Finucane, swimmer Matt Richards and teenage gymnast Ruby Evans, with Paralympic champion Olivia Breen captaining the squad. Despite the strength of the team, Jones insisted his focus is on performances rather than podium finishes.
“We don't talk about medals, but I'd be stood here lying to you if I said it wouldn't be incredible,” he told BBC Sport. “I've got some flags in my bags, just in case that happens, so I can whip them out. What I can say is every single one of the athletes is here to represent Wales with pride and passion. I know they'll leave absolutely everything out there.”
Romance Speculation Addressed
Jones’s new role comes after his co-host Helen Skelton was once again forced to shut down speculation that the pair were dating, insisting the pair are “just best friends”. The pair have repeatedly found themselves at the centre of romance speculation after they were photographed together outside the BBC studio last year. The rumours intensified after the pair appeared side by side on the red carpet at ITV’s Pride of Britain Awards in October and later at a Royal Television Society event in Manchester.
Addressing the rumours with The Times, Skelton was unequivocal when asked if there was any truth to the reports. “We're not,” the TV star said. “We work together; he's one of my best friends.” The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant admitted the rumours have become so widespread that even people close to her have been fooled. “I've had my best friend congratulate me on our engagement,” she revealed.
