“WAIT, WHAT?” Fans left gobsmacked by rare family reveal about BBC star Helen Skelton!

Fans are only just discovering Helen Skelton has a famous sibling (Image: Getty)

TV star Helen Skelton has dazzled viewers for years – from cheering up the nation on Blue Peter to gliding across the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. But what many fans don’t know is that she isn’t the only famous face in the Skelton household.

The blonde bombshell also has a famous older brother Gavin Skelton, who was once a professional footballer before he retired from the sport and became a respected coach. Gavin, 43, quietly built a career on the pitch, playing for teams like Gretna, Kilmarnock, Carlisle United and Queen of the South, before moving into management and coaching. Most recently, he rejoined Carlisle United as a first-team coach in 2023 – with Helen proudly cheering him on from the sidelines.

Gavin, 43, quietly built a career on the pitch, playing for teams like Gretna and Kilmarnock (Image: Getty)

Posting after Carlisle’s promotion last year, Helen GUSHED on Instagram: “A day to remember … Gav you and yours deserve every bit of this success, you lead by example.”

Similarly, Gavin has always supported his sister’s TV success too – even if he admits her daredevil streak makes their mum nervous. Speaking to the Daily Record back in 2011, he said: “She has been training for six months and training hard, so I’m sure she’s well prepared.

“I’m okay with it all but I think our mum has had a few sleepless nights – I think she’s more nervous about it than Helen is!” When Helen prepared for her live tightrope walk between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station for Comic Relief, Gavin admitted he’d be watching from home.

“I’ll be watching on TV but some of the family are going down there to watch her on the day – and I think I’ll be a bit more nervous then,” he added.

Gavin suported his sister through her strictly stint (Image: BBC)

“Helen has done really well but it’s not something I really think about, in the same way that she doesn’t really think about me being a footballer.”

While Helen’s become one of the BBC’s most recognisable faces – hosting Blue Peter, Countryfile, and making it to the final of Strictly – Gavin has flown under the radar, quietly making waves in the world of football.

In December 2022, during Helen’s Strictly journey, Gavin even took to social media to rally fans ahead of the final. “It’s a day to remember. Come on Helen!” he posted alongside a photo of the family, including their mum, attending the show.

The Skeltons grew up on a dairy farm in Kirkby Thore, Cumbria, and both siblings have credited their upbringing for their down-to-earth approach to fame. Helen recently expressed her gratitude in a new post shared to mark a slew of milestones.

Taking to Instagram Helen, 41, shared a poignant message which included references to her upcoming birthday, as well as the end of the school year.

“So much happening at this time of year…. Milestones coming thick and fast,” Helen penned, before adding: “Hurtling towards the end of another school year, grateful for my squad.”

Alongside her message, Helen, who shares Louis, Ernie and Elsie with her ex-husband, Richie Myler, included a plethora of wholesome pictures and video clips documenting her summer so far.