EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Ackerley talks about how motherhood changed her life, as well as the huge musical challenge she’s taking on with pal and co-host Gethin Jones
The TV stars talks motherhood, marriage and her on-screen besties(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios/James Stack)
Bubbly TV presenter Michelle Ackerley, a familiar face on BBC One’s Morning Live, added a new string to her bow this time last year – motherhood.
Having been told her chances of falling pregnant were very slim, the 42-year-old from Manchester says welcoming daughter Nala with her husband, sports coach Ben Ryan, still feels like a miracle.
Here, she talks about how overwhelming parenthood can feel, her TV ambitions and the Children in Need musical challenge she and co-host Gethin Jones are about to take on…
Hi, Michelle! How’s motherhood so far?
I love it, but the juggle is overwhelming at times. Mum’s been helping look after Nala, as she developed a throat infection. I don’t think I realised before having kids that it’s literally never ending.
Has your life changed dramatically?
Gosh, it’s been an absolute roller-coaster, even just becoming pregnant. I was told the chances of me having a child were slim, so it was a miracle. I feel like I’m redefining my identity. Sometimes I’m at home thinking, “What do I need to do work-wise?” Then at work I miss Nala!
Nala turned one recently. Did you have a party?
On the day, I was filming Crimewatch, but we had a lovely time that weekend. My husband and I want to take her to the zoo soon – she’s obsessed with animals.
Is it hard for you to find time to be a couple?
It’s funny, Ben’s in sport and I work in TV. Football games are on the weekend, which is when I’m more free. We’ve always been like ships in the night so we’re used to being strict with time management to find one-to-one time. We’re doing well.
What made you fall for Ben?
I remember, even on our first date, how comfortable he made me feel. He’s a great communicator and a really good listener. Dating felt like an extension of my work, interviewing people. With Ben, it never felt like that.
What’s he like as a dad?
So calm – a lot calmer than me. I can get to the point where I start feeling really anxious, especially when Nala’s not been well recently. I’m like, “What do we do?” He’s very good at steadying the ship.
You’re doing a Children In Need Challenge soon. Tell us more…
Yes, Pudsey’s Build A Band Challenge. So Gethin and I need to be performance-ready, playing instruments for Children In Need alongside a Morning Live band. I’m going to be playing… bass guitar.
Have you ever played one?!
I’ve never picked up a bass guitar in my life. I didn’t even know what an amp was. I had it delivered to my hotel room in Cardiff. Even taking it out of its wrapping, I was like, “How do I even hold this?” It’s massive. If I can look cool, hopefully people will be distracted.
Do you consider yourself musical?
I love dancing. Take me to a club and I’ll dance all night. I can hold a beat. But I’m excited to learn an instrument because I love listening to music. I’ve had a session with an amazing bass guitarist.
Is Gethin going to be rocking out, too?
He’s playing electric guitar, piano and singing. He’s more musically minded than me, so they gave him a bigger challenge. We’re performing the Tom Grennan song, A Little Bit Of Love, which thankfully I like, as we’ll be rehearsing it 24/7. Please don’t let me butcher it.
Either way, it’s for such a good cause…
Yes, I’m going to be very nervous, but the purpose is always at the forefront of your mind. In whatever way anybody challenges themselves for Children In Need, be it small or big, it’s about helping others.
Does working with Children In Need hit differently as a mum?
From the moment Nala was born and I held her in my arms, she was surrounded by love. All we want to do is protect her. It’s so sad to think there are children out there who are so incredibly vulnerable and don’t have what we’re able to give Nala. That’s why I’m putting my heart and soul into this.
Do you bring the guitar everywhere now?
I don’t pack light, at the best of times. Everybody knows me on Morning Live for having the biggest suitcase. Now I’ve got a huge suitcase in Cardiff, my rucksack, a bass guitar, an amp and God knows how many plugs. Good luck to anyone else on my train back to London.
You’ve been on Morning Live since 2024. Why do you love it?
We’re a family. Helen [Skelton] and I were flatmates in London over 20 years ago. We’ve been friends ever since. And Gethin’s like a brother to me.
You guest present on The One Show too…
Yes, which is also brilliant. I’ve interviewed Samuel L Jackson, Orlando Bloom, Hillary Clinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Brie Larson…the list goes on. The team are incredible.
Are there any other TV shows you’re itching to do?
Celebrity Traitors – I’m obsessed. And Strictly – I think I’m the only one on Morning Live who hasn’t had the call! Strictly dancers come on to do Strictly fitness, so I’m already practising behind the scenes.
Morning Live’s Build A Band Challenge is supporting BBC Children In Need’s Challenge Yourself campaign, encouraging people to take on their own challenge. Watch Morning Live weekdays from 9.30am to 10.45am on BBC One. For more info, visit By the side of every child- BBC Children in Need
