Helen Skelton, known for her work on Blue Peter, Newsround, and Countryfile, has found a new sense of joy in the chaos of being a working mother of three. Raised on a dairy farm in Cumbria, Helen was no stranger to a hectic lifestyle. However, it wasn’t until she reached the age of 40 that she truly embraced this chaos, finding acceptance and freedom that have enriched her life.

Now at 42, Helen exudes a carefree spirit, saying, “One thing I’ve really embraced since turning 40 is that sense of acceptance: ‘We are who we are.’ That’s my mantra. My house is chaos, my car’s a mess, and I’m probably going to be late. I might show up at a kid’s birthday party with an unwrapped present, and when friends come over for dinner, they bring their own food. I’m chaotic, but I’m great fun!”

The past few years have been challenging for Helen, following her divorce from Richie Myler, her husband of eight years and a rugby star. At the time of their separation, their youngest child, Elsie, was just four months old. The couple also shares two sons, Ernie, 10, and Louis, 8.

Despite these personal challenges, 2023 saw Helen shine as she finished as a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing, even performing a memorable Charleston to the Blue Peter theme. This experience, along with her newfound acceptance of life’s inherent messiness, has brought her a deeper appreciation for the unpredictable journey of life.

In the same year, Helen came runner-up in Strictly Come Dancing, even dancing a Charleston to the Blue Peter theme.

She is now gearing up for blockbuster Christmas, hunkered down at home, and tells Prima’s January issue that this will be her kids’ best holiday ever – and is determined that her 40s will be the happiest years of her life.

She said: “I used to stress about coming back to work after having my kids, but now they love what I do. My eldest is gutted every year that I can’t do Strictly. Every now and again, they say something that just brings me to my knees – like when one of them recently said to someone, ‘My mum’s Helen Skelton!’ They also think I’m completely embarrassing.”

Helen found sanctuary in Cumbria after the breakdown of her marriage, moving back in with her parents on their farm in the Lake District. She is now rumoured to be dating former Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones.

She said: “I’m boring when it comes to beauty. I just wash my face and put on moisturiser. I sometimes have a bit of Botox. I’m really casual. Don’t get me wrong – there’s plenty I’d change about my face – but there’s no point going down that route. Where do you stop? I got changed in the loos at the Baftas and the last time I went to the National Television Awards, I was getting my dress on in the car. If you create that level of chaos, you don’t have time to overthink.”

After the heartbreak of a split, Helen said he is now focusing on what matters, adding: “I think every year is a gift. I’ve lost family really young – in their 20s – so I don’t take anything for granted. My dad’s 70 now and I’m really close to him, my mum and my brother. Nothing’s promised. So I’m big on saying yes – go for lunch, go away for the weekend, stay up late, have pizza. Everyone gets so obsessed with resolutions – no sugar, early nights, herbal tea – but, honestly, laughter and time with your mates are just as good for you. Take the pressure off. Spend time with people who make you belly laugh – that’s the real reset.”

* Read the full interview in the January issue of Prima on sale now.