Michaela Strachan’s Joyful New Chapter: Welcoming Grandson Huxley Amid Springwatch’s 20th Anniversary

Michaela Strachan, the beloved BBC Springwatch presenter, has long been a household name for her infectious enthusiasm for wildlife and her warm presence on British television. At 59, the veteran presenter has embarked on a new and deeply personal adventure: becoming a grandmother. Her stepson, Thomas Chevallier, and his fiancée, Mikayla Humphries, welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Huxley, earlier this month, and Strachan’s emotional announcement has sparked an outpouring of love from fans across social media. This milestone comes at a busy time for Strachan, who is also preparing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Springwatch, a cornerstone of BBC’s nature programming. Here, we explore the heartwarming details of Huxley’s arrival, Strachan’s reflections on her new role, and how this personal joy intertwines with her professional legacy.

A Dramatic Arrival for Baby Huxley

The journey to Huxley’s birth was anything but ordinary. Strachan shared on Instagram that her future daughter-in-law, Mikayla, endured an exhausting 55-hour labor, a marathon ordeal that tested the young couple’s resilience. The presenter expressed immense pride in Mikayla and Thomas, who navigated the intense experience to welcome their son into the world. “Today I became a Granny,” Strachan wrote, her words brimming with emotion. “So proud of my future daughter-in-law Mikayla and my stepson Tom, proud new mum and dad. Me and Granny Jacky were a wee bit emotional. Welcome to the world baby Huxley. So precious.” Accompanying her heartfelt message were tender snapshots of the newborn, capturing the raw joy of the moment.

The announcement resonated deeply with Strachan’s followers, who flooded her social media with congratulations. Fans praised her warmth and authenticity, with many noting how her openness about the highs and lows of life—whether personal milestones or professional challenges—has endeared her to audiences for decades. Huxley’s arrival marks a new chapter for Strachan, who has often spoken about the importance of family in grounding her amidst a demanding career.

From Wildlife to Family Life: Strachan’s Evolving Journey

Strachan’s path to grandmotherhood is a testament to her ability to balance a high-profile career with a rich personal life. Born in Surrey, England, she first captured audiences in the 1980s as a presenter on children’s programs like The Wide Awake Club and Wacaday. Her passion for nature led her to The Really Wild Show, where she introduced a generation to the wonders of the natural world. By the time she joined Springwatch in 2011, Strachan had become a trusted voice in wildlife broadcasting, her chemistry with co-presenter Chris Packham a highlight of the series.

Off-screen, Strachan’s family life has been equally dynamic. She has been with her partner, cameraman Nick Chevallier, since 2003, and the couple share a son, Oliver, born in 2005. Strachan is also a stepmother to Nick’s three children from a previous relationship, including Thomas, Huxley’s father. In interviews, she has described Oliver as the “glue” that strengthened their blended family, a sentiment that now extends to her new role as a grandmother. Strachan’s decision not to marry Nick, despite their 22-year partnership, reflects her pragmatic approach to life. “We’ve never felt the need,” she has said, emphasizing that their commitment is rooted in shared values and mutual respect rather than formalities.

Becoming a grandmother at 59 has brought a fresh perspective for Strachan, who admitted on social media that the role is “something she needs to get her head around.” Yet her excitement is palpable, and fans have celebrated her ability to embrace this milestone with the same zest she brings to her television work. The timing of Huxley’s birth, just weeks before Springwatch’s new series, underscores Strachan’s knack for juggling personal and professional milestones.

Springwatch at 20: A Backdrop of Change

Huxley’s arrival coincides with a significant moment in Strachan’s career: the 20th anniversary of Springwatch, which returns to BBC Two and iPlayer on May 26, 2025. The series, filmed this year at the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate in the Peak District, promises three weeks of immersive wildlife coverage, from foxes and badgers to swifts’ nests. A new segment, Springwatch Street, will spotlight the hidden natural world of a Sheffield neighborhood, revealing the biodiversity thriving in urban spaces. Strachan, alongside co-presenters Chris Packham and Iolo Williams, will guide viewers through this celebration of British wildlife, reflecting on how the show has evolved since its debut in 2005.

However, the anniversary comes with challenges. Strachan recently shared that Springwatch has faced budget cuts, a reality that has sparked concern among fans about the show’s future in an era dominated by streaming platforms. Despite these constraints, she remains optimistic, highlighting the program’s high production values and the flexibility of catch-up viewing. “We have an incredibly loyal audience that wants escapism when they watch our show,” Strachan noted, emphasizing the show’s role in fostering a connection with nature. She believes this connection is vital for mental health, a theme that resonates deeply in her own life as she navigates the joys and responsibilities of grandmotherhood.

Strachan’s 13 years with Springwatch have also given her a front-row seat to the impacts of climate change on wildlife. She has observed shifts in migration patterns and habitat challenges, which the show addresses with a balance of education and inspiration. Her hope is that Springwatch will continue for another two decades, inspiring future generations to protect the natural world—a legacy she now shares with Huxley and her family.

A Year of Triumphs and Reflections

The past year has been a whirlwind for Strachan, both personally and professionally. In March 2025, she made history as the oldest finalist on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, dazzling audiences with her skating alongside professional partner Mark Hanretty. Though she finished as runner-up to Coronation Street’s Sam Aston, Strachan’s performance earned widespread praise, with fans and co-stars like Steve Backshall championing her talent. The experience left her feeling “20 years younger,” and she credited the rigorous training with boosting her confidence to wear bikinis again—a testament to her vibrant spirit.

On a personal level, Strachan has faced profound challenges, including the loss of close friends and family members to cancer. In 2023, she mourned the death of Springwatch series producer Lucy Bowden, who succumbed to breast cancer, the same disease Strachan survived a decade earlier. These experiences have shaped her outlook, infusing her work and personal milestones with a sense of gratitude and resilience. Huxley’s birth, she says, is a “blessing” that has brought light to her life, reinforcing the importance of cherishing every moment.

Fans Rally Around Strachan’s New Role

The response to Strachan’s grandmother announcement has been overwhelming, with fans on Instagram and X celebrating her joy. Messages like “Congratulations, Granny Michaela!” and “Welcome to the world, Huxley!” reflect the affection she has earned over her 30-year career. Her ability to connect with audiences, whether through wildlife storytelling or personal updates, has solidified her status as a national treasure. As one fan wrote, “You’re going to be the coolest gran, Michaela!”

Strachan’s journey to grandmotherhood also highlights her role as a relatable figure. Unlike many celebrities, she shares her life with candor, from the stresses of a 55-hour labor to the surreal feeling of becoming a grandparent. This authenticity resonates with viewers who see her not just as a presenter but as a friend on their screens.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Love and Nature

As Strachan prepares for Springwatch’s new series, she carries the joy of Huxley’s arrival into her work. The parallels between her personal and professional lives are striking: just as she nurtures her family, she advocates for the preservation of wildlife, ensuring a thriving world for future generations. Her hope for Springwatch—that it continues to inspire and educate—mirrors her aspirations for Huxley, that he grows up in a world where nature is valued and protected.

Michaela Strachan’s story is one of resilience, passion, and connection. From the studios of Springwatch to the quiet moments with her grandson, she embodies the beauty of embracing life’s seasons. As she steps into her role as “Granny Michaela,” fans are eager to see how this new chapter shapes her already remarkable legacy. For now, the celebration of Huxley’s arrival is a reminder of the simple joys that unite us all—family, love, and the wonder of new beginnings.