Helen Skelton, the beloved British television presenter known for her warm presence on Countryfile and Springtime on the Farm, has set the internet ablaze with speculation about her love life. In April 2025, the 41-year-old mother of three was spotted wearing a dazzling new ring on the fourth finger of her left hand, traditionally reserved for engagement rings. The sighting, captured in a video shared by makeup artist Melissa Bourne during filming for Channel 5’s Springtime on the Farm, sent fans into a frenzy, with many wondering if Skelton is secretly engaged. This development comes three years after her heartbreaking split from ex-husband Richie Myler, a rugby player who left their family home just months after the birth of their third child. With no official confirmation of a new relationship, the mystery surrounding the ring has only deepened. What’s the story behind this sparkler, and why has it captivated Skelton’s audience? Let’s explore the rumors, the context, and the journey of a star who’s navigating fame, family, and the possibility of new love.
Skelton’s appearance on Springtime on the Farm, a Channel 5 series celebrating rural life and adorable baby animals, was quintessential Helen: radiant, down-to-earth, and surrounded by lambs and goats on a bed of hay bales. The video, posted on Instagram, showed her cradling a baby goat while smiling for photos, her blonde hair tied back and her energy infectious. But it was the glint of a wrap-around style ring on her left hand that stole the show. Fans, quick to notice the sparkler, flooded social media with questions. “Is Helen engaged? She is wearing a ring on her wedding finger,” one wrote on X, while another speculated, “Maybe she is engaged.” The ring’s placement and prominence fueled theories that Skelton, who has kept her romantic life private since her 2022 divorce, might be embarking on a new chapter. Yet, as of May 2025, Skelton has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, leaving room for speculation to flourish.
To understand the significance of this moment, it’s worth revisiting Skelton’s personal journey. Born in Cumbria, Skelton rose to fame as a presenter on Blue Peter before becoming a staple on Countryfile and Morning Live. Her marriage to Richie Myler, a professional rugby league player, seemed like a fairy tale when they wed in 2013. The couple welcomed three children—Ernie (now 10), Louis (8), and Elsie (3)—and shared glimpses of their family life, from holidays in France to cozy moments at home. However, their eight-year marriage unraveled in April 2022, just four months after Elsie’s birth. Skelton announced the split on Instagram, writing, “Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.” The news shocked fans, especially as reports soon surfaced that Myler had begun dating Stephanie Thirkill, the daughter of Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill, shortly after the separation.
The breakup was a devastating blow for Skelton, who later admitted to being “blindsided” by Myler’s departure. In her 2023 book, In My Stride, she wrote candidly about the toll it took on her confidence, particularly as a mother of three young children. “I still have questions about why my marriage broke down,” she told Devon Live, revealing the emotional scars left by Myler’s swift move to a new relationship. Myler and Thirkill welcomed two children—Olivia in 2023 and Freddie in 2024—and while Myler denied engagement rumors in 2023, Thirkill’s use of the surname “Myler” on Instagram has sparked speculation of a quiet marriage. Skelton, meanwhile, relocated to Cumbria with her children, focusing on co-parenting and rebuilding her life as a single mother.
Skelton’s resilience has been a hallmark of her post-divorce journey. Her participation in Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, where she partnered with Gorka Marquez, marked a turning point. Initially struggling with self-doubt—she told The Telegraph that Myler’s exit left her feeling unsexy and unworthy—Skelton found her spark on the dancefloor. A racy Cabaret routine during Musicals Week, complete with suspenders, earned praise from judges and viewers, with one X post calling her “a phoenix rising.” She credited Strictly with restoring her confidence, a sentiment echoed by fans who watched her transform week by week. Since then, Skelton has taken on new projects, including Dan and Helen’s Pennine Adventure with Dan Walker and a BBC reality show, Helen Skelton’s Big Weekend, showcasing her versatility and relatability.
The engagement rumors, sparked by the new ring, have reignited interest in Skelton’s love life. In July 2023, Daily Mail reported that she was “reluctantly dipping her toe back into the dating pool,” with a source saying she was open to “new adventures” but not ready for a serious commitment after her trust was broken. By March 2025, myforeignhalf.com noted that Skelton appeared single, with no public sightings of a partner or romantic hints on social media. Her focus has been on her children and career, with Instagram posts showcasing family outings, like wakeboarding with Ernie, and professional milestones, such as her work with Channel 5. The absence of a confirmed relationship makes the ring’s appearance all the more intriguing, prompting questions about whether Skelton is keeping a romance under wraps or simply embracing a bold fashion choice.
The ring itself, described as a “wrap-around style” that catches the light, has become a symbol of speculation. Traditionally, a ring on the left hand’s fourth finger signals engagement, but modern trends allow for more flexibility. Skelton could be wearing it for style, as a nod to self-love, or as a subtle hint of something more. Her decision to ditch her wedding ring in 2022, shortly after Myler’s departure, was a public marker of moving on, documented by outlets like Metro and Daily Mail. That choice, coupled with her silence about the new ring, suggests she’s comfortable letting fans wonder—a savvy move for a public figure who values privacy. On X, some fans have theorized that the ring might be a gift from a friend or a prop for Springtime on the Farm, while others insist it’s too prominent to be anything but an engagement ring.
The cultural context of these rumors highlights society’s fascination with celebrity relationships. Skelton’s story resonates because it’s relatable: a woman rebuilding her life after heartbreak, balancing motherhood with a demanding career. The UK’s love for Springtime on the Farm, which draws millions for its wholesome content, amplifies interest in Skelton’s personal milestones. Her role as a single mother also taps into broader conversations about resilience and independence, with fans on X praising her as “an inspiration” for navigating co-parenting and public scrutiny with grace. The engagement speculation, whether true or not, adds a layer of intrigue to her narrative, inviting viewers to root for her happiness.
Skelton’s silence on the matter is telling. Unlike her candid reflections on Strictly or her book, she’s chosen not to address the rumors, perhaps to maintain boundaries around her private life. This approach contrasts with Myler’s public denials of engagement rumors in 2023, suggesting Skelton prefers to let speculation run its course. Her focus remains on her children and work, with upcoming projects like a second season of Helen Skelton’s Big Weekend and continued hosting duties on Countryfile. Yet, the ring’s presence has sparked hope among fans that she’s found love again, with one X post reading, “Helen deserves a happy ending—hope that ring means something special.”
As the rumors swirl, Skelton’s journey underscores the power of reinvention. From the devastation of her 2022 split to the confidence she regained on Strictly, she’s proven her ability to rise above challenges. Whether the ring signifies an engagement, a personal milestone, or simply a stylish accessory, it’s a testament to her ability to keep fans engaged while guarding her heart. For now, the mystery remains unsolved, but one thing is clear: Helen Skelton is a star whose light continues to shine, ring or no ring.
