Helen Skelton ‘really grateful’ to replace Laura Whitmore on BBC Radio 5 Live-Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro

Helen Skelton can’t wait to get started on her BBC 5 Live show (Picture: Backgrd/Rex/BBC)

Helen Skelton is ‘truly excited’ to take over Laura Whitmore’s BBC Radio 5 Live show.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the Countryfile host will be replacing the Love Island presenter next month, as Laura plans to focus on cashing in on fame from the ITV2 series.

Helen, who began her presenting career on Blue Peter in 2008, before going on to present BBC One’s Countryfile, will regularly chat with notable sporting figures, while the programme will also aim to highlight some of the weekend’s smaller, less publicised sporting fixtures.

The show, which will broadcast during the 10am-12pm slot Sunday slot, will reportedly combine discussion of sports and current affairs, which will build up to the station’s afternoon live football commentary.

Speaking about the new show, Helen enthused: ‘I am really grateful to be joining the 5 Live family on a regular basis.

Helen’s new show will begin next month (Picture: Rex)

‘I’ve worked with the station for years, and I’m looking forward to celebrating and showcasing some of the stories and events the top 5 Live team cover. I’m truly excited to get started!’

Helen previously hosted a Sunday afternoon slot on the network during the Covid lockdown on which she spoke to celebrity guests about everyday life and keeping well and occupied during the pandemic.

Her new show will be broadcast live from Leeds as part of the BBC’s plan to broaden its creative and journalistic work across the UK.

The programme is expected to launch on BBC Radio 5 Live on August 14 at 10am and will air weekly.

Helen will be taking over Laura Whitmore’s show on the radio station (Picture: ITV)

On Wednesday it was announced that Irish presenter Laura, 37, would be leaving her self-titled Sunday morning show after four years.

Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live Heidi Dawson said: ‘Laura has made the difficult decision to leave her weekend show after a brilliant four years.

‘We’d like to thank her for the energy, insight and humour she has brought to this programme and look forward to working with her again in the near future.’

Helen’s new role comes two months after she announced her split from husband Richie after nine years of marriage.

‘Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple,’ she penned in a statement shared online.

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‘He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.’

The pair share three children; Ernie, six, Louis, four, and a baby daughter Elsie Kate who was born in December. 

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