Helen Skelton, the 41-year-old prominent television presenter known for her engaging roles on shows like Countryfile and Morning Live, recently opened up about a particularly awkward moment from her past. During the BAFTA awards, she was caught live on camera exclaiming, "It's a disgrace!" after losing the Best Children's Presenter award to beloved children’s entertainer Mr Tumble, played by Justin Fletcher. The presenter showcased her vulnerability, recalling the moment with both embarrassment and humor.
Speaking on the Cannon Hall Farm podcast, Skelton reflected on the event, which took place during the 2012 BAFTA ceremony. She revealed, "Years ago, I was up for kids presenter at the BAFTAS, and I'd been nominated for a few years but hadn't won. This year, my table was right at the front, right by the stage, and I'm thinking, 'I'm in here.'" Skelton had felt confident about her chances, especially after her participation in the Polar Challenge, where she completed an impressive 500-mile trek for Sports Relief.
But moments before the slated announcement, things took a turn. "The guy came on to present the award, and I was like Zoolander, I was out of the chair! But Mr Tumble won—and not me!" she recounted, still visibly amused by her reaction from all those years ago. While describing the spectacle, she minimally commented, "To be fair, I did not react well, and I believe I said, 'It's a disgrace,' as the camera panned to me." The candid admission highlighted how passionate she was about the award, perhaps elevated by the visible presence at the event.
Skelton harbored no hard feelings against Fletcher; she later emphasized her admiration for his work, particularly noting she didn’t have kids at the time, which limited her appreciation for the significant impact Mr Tumble has on children’s television.
"Now, I'm a big fan of Mr Tumble, and I didn't have kids then so I did not fully understand the amazing job he does. It is amazing what he does, but at the time, I probably didn’t appreciate it,” she confessed, displaying both humility and grace.
The discussion of the BAFTAS came on the heels of her more recent accomplishments, and how motherhood has influenced her perspective on both her career and personal life. Earlier this year, she delightedly shared how her eight-year-old son, Ernie, had begun watching Blue Peter, the show where she propelled her career forward from 2008 until 2013. Posting on her Instagram, she wrote, "Life made...watching Blue Peter", capturing the sweet moment as she snapped her son captivated by her old show. Her nostalgia for Blue Peter was evident as she reminisced over the countless adventures she undertook during her tenure, which included kayaking on the Amazon and cycling to the South Pole.
Shifting away from the tender memories, Skelton recently made headlines again by announcing she’s taking a break from Morning Live until 2025, sharing heartfelt moments with her co-hosts and the audience. She elaborated on how wonderful it has been to work alongside dedicated colleagues and expressed excitement about returning to create more engaging content.
While she has garnered fame, it’s her relatable moments and authenticity, such as those expressed over the BAFTA incident and her approach to parenting, which have endeared her to viewers. “Having kids is the ultimate ironman. It's incredible, I think women need to hear this,” she remarked recently, drawing parallels between her physical challenges like marathons and the demands of raising children. Skelton, who shares her three children with ex-husband Richie Myler, often filled her social narratives with both the joys and challenges of motherhood and her career.
With the accolades of her past behind her, Skelton embraces her future, aligning her experiences with her growth as both a mother and professional. Whether engaging on social media, sharing treasured family moments, or laughing at her memorable mishaps, she confidently navigates the ups and downs of her busy life.
Through her honesty, Skelton depicts the significance of self-acceptance and resilience, which emerges as themes not only from her early BAFTA story but also resonate through every chapter of her personal and professional life. After all, it's these candid glimpses behind the camera, marked by raw emotion and humor, which captivate audiences and frame her as more than just another presenter.
Skelton stands as something of a role model for many, illustrating the balance between achieving professional milestones and cherishing the simple pleasures of life. Her insights reveal how genuine experiences form the backbone of her public persona, lending depth to her storied career.