Helen Skelton leaves BBC Radio 5 show to spend more time with her children; who was her husband Richie Myler?

Helen Skelton, former "Strictly" contestant, departs her BBC radio show to dedicate time to her children, stating “the juggle is real.”

People in this article

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

After a year-long tenure hosting the Sunday morning slot, former “Strictly Come Dancing” contestant, Helen Skelton announced her departure from BBC Radio 5 over the weekend. Skelton revealed her decision to step down from the show to dedicate more time to her children and their needs.

Skelton, known for her status as a single mother as much as her performance on “Strictly”, openly acknowledged the difficulties she faced while managing her broadcasting commitments alongside her parental responsibilities, sharing her sentiments with co-host Lloyd Griffith, stating, "The juggle is real."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition to her radio career, Skelton's devotion to her children's activities was evident, emphasizing her eight-year-old son's weekend sports engagements, illustrating her determination to be present for his important moments.

As the broadcast concluded, Skelton expressed gratitude to her colleagues and listeners, acknowledging the support she had received throughout the year. The announcement followed her recent re-entry into the dating scene after her separation from rugby star Richie Myler in 2022. 

Despite experiencing unexpected emotions during this new phase, Skelton remains committed to her choices and continues to navigate her evolving journey. PeopleWorld takes a look at who her former husband was, along with her speculated “new” romance that became water cooler gossip earlier in the year.

Who was Helen Skelton’s former husband, Richie Myler?

Helen Skelton with then husband Richie Myler at the 2017 Pride of Britain awards (Credit: Getty Images)Helen Skelton with then husband Richie Myler at the 2017 Pride of Britain awards (Credit: Getty Images)
Helen Skelton with then husband Richie Myler at the 2017 Pride of Britain awards (Credit: Getty Images)

Richard "Richie" Myler is a professional rugby league player from England. He was born on May 21, 1990, in Widnes, Cheshire, England. Myler has gained recognition for his contributions to the sport and has played for various rugby league clubs over the years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Myler began his professional rugby league career with the Widnes Vikings in 2007. His exceptional skills and performances quickly caught the attention of the rugby community, leading to his signing with the Salford City Reds in 2008. During his time with Salford, he continued to showcase his talents and solidify his reputation as a promising player.

In 2010, Richie Myler made a significant move to the Super League club Warrington Wolves. This move marked a pivotal point in his career, as he further honed his skills and became an integral part of the team. His time with the Wolves was marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the team's success.

In 2015, Myler embarked on a new chapter by joining the Catalans Dragons, a rugby league team based in Perpignan, France. He continued to demonstrate his proficiency on the field and played a crucial role in the team's performances.

Richie Myler's talent and dedication have also earned him recognition on the international stage. He has represented England in various international competitions, showcasing his skills as a scrum-half.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Beyond his accomplishments on the rugby field, Richie Myler has garnered attention for his personal life. He married Helen Skelton couple tied the knot in December 2013 and had three children together: Ernie, 7, Louis, 6, and 15-month-old Elsie Kate - before they broke up four months after their youngest child was born.

Who is Helen Skelton rumoured to be seeing now?

In early 2023, Skelton was in a relationship with “Strictly Come Dancing” professional Kai Widdrington, whose star ascended in 2010 when he secured the title of Junior World Latin American champion. His talents shone even brighter as he graced the stage of “Britain's Got Talent” in 2012, reaching the final of the sixth series with dance partner Natalia Jeved. 

In the following years, Kai's dance prowess took him further. His participation in the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars from 2017 to 2020 showcased his exceptional abilities as a professional dancer. His partnership with comedian and actress Katherine Lynch, as well as other notable collaborations, demonstrated his versatility and his popularity on the BBC show.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.