Helen Skelton 'focusing on children's wellbeing' after split and BBC exit

21 August 2023 , 12:00

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Helen Skelton 'focusing on children's wellbeing' after split and BBC exit

Helen Skelton is said to be focusing on her children's "wellbeing" following her shock exit from the BBC last week.

The Countryfile star, 40, stunned fans when she announced she was leaving her Radio Five Live slot after just a year on air. Telling her followers she 'was not alright' about the decision, but that an "eight-year-old will be happy," the mum-of-three concluded the "juggle is real".

Helen shares three kids, Ernie, eight, Louis, six, and Elsie, one, with her ex-husband, Richie Myler, who she split up from last year. The Strictly Come Dancing finalist announced the news in April 2022, just four months after the former couple had welcomed their third child.

Helen Skelton is said to be focusing on her children's 'well-being' following her shock exit from the BBC (Instagram)

She shares three kids with her ex-husband Richie Myler, who she split from last year (Instagram/ @helenskelton)

Speaking about Helen's commitment to prioritising her children, a source said to be close to the Blue Peter star, shared: "It’s been such a turbulent year-and-a-half. The decision to step down from radio again wasn’t easy, but following such dramatic changes in her personal life, she knows the importance of prioritising her and her children’s wellbeing. She’s going to spend the remainder of her year focusing on being at home with her children and giving them a happy, fun-filled upbringing," reports OK! magazine.

Closing her segment on Radio Five Live last week, Helen's voice was breaking as she spoke to her co-host, Lloyd Griffith. Addressing her departure, she said: "I am not alright about it but, you know, needs must. The juggle is real." Referring to her son's weekend sports fixtures, she continued: "There is an eight year old with a sideline who needs me. I've loved every minute of the past year ... thank you to all the team and thank you to all of you. It's hard to know what to say without getting emotional! That’s it for me on Sundays for now. Thank you for your company over the last year, I’ve loved every minute of our time together on this show."

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A friend of Helen has said the star has been "spread fairly wide" looking after her children, claiming her Richie is "not matching her commitment". They told MailOnline: "He has his new baby and rugby career, meaning he hasn't been able to help as much as he would ideally like." Richie became a father for the fourth time earlier this year when his partner Stephanie Thirkill gave birth.

The source continued: "That's why she felt she [Helen] had no choice but to quit the Sunday show, despite the fact she didn't really want to as it was a great opportunity in her career and she loved doing it."

The Mirror has contacted both Helen and Richie's representatives for comment.

Victoria Johns