TV presenter Helen Skelton has given a refreshingly honest glimpse into life as a single mum, sharing a relatable moment that left her eldest son red-faced.
Speaking on The Runna podcast, Helen, 41, opened up about parenting her three children – Ernie, 9, Louis, 8, and Elsie, 4 – following her 2022 split from rugby player Richie Myler.
Reflecting on the challenges of modern motherhood, Helen admitted: “It’s really sad, but when you have kids, you just really want them to like you. You love them so much, and you just think, ‘Please think I’m cool.’”
She recalled a recent moment that perfectly captured this tension – when she scooted to school with her kids. “My eldest turned to me and said, ‘Mum, I think you need to leave the scooter now.’ I was like, oh God, he’s mortified,” she laughed.
Despite the embarrassment, Helen says she still wants to set an example. Known for her sporty spirit, the Strictly Come Dancing alum revealed that pushing herself through challenges is her way of inspiring her kids. “When they tell their mates, ‘My mum did that,’ I absolutely love it,” she said.
Helen also touched on the pressure of being a role model: “I can’t tell them to stick at things if I don’t practise what I preach.”
Meanwhile, Helen recently made headlines at the BAFTA TV Awards after appearing alongside Morning Live co-host Gethin Jones. The two posted playful pictures together from the same hotel, sparking fan speculation about a possible romance – though neither has confirmed anything.
