Helen Skelton admits she was once caught live on camera saying “it’s a disgrace” after missing out on a television award to Mr Tumble. The 41-year-old presenter has become a popular face among viewers thanks to her appearance on Countryfile, Morning Live, and Strictly Come Dancing. But before then she made a name for herself presenting on children’s television, first with Newsround and then Blue Peter.
It was during her time as a children’s TV presenter that Helen found herself nominated as the best presenter at the BAFTAs. She was nominated for the gong after completing a 500-mile trek in the South Pole as part of Sports Relief. On the Cannon Hall Farm podcast, Helen admits she felt the scene was set for her to win the accolade on the night. However, she reacted badly when Mr Tumble star Justin Fletcher was eventually named as the winner.
She explained: “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 particular year my table was right at the front, right by the stage, and I’m thinking ‘I’m in here’. The guy comes on to present the award and I was like Zoolander, I was out of the chair but Mr Tumble won and not me.
“To be fair, I did not react well and I believe I said ‘it’s a disgrace’ as the camera panned to me. Now, I’m a big fan of Mr Tumble, and I didn’t have kids then so I did not get the amazing work that he does, and it is amazing what he does, however, at the time I probably didn’t appreciate it.”.
