The host of BBC Breakfast, Louise Minchin, has spoken candidly about her favorite interview, her time on the red sofa, and how running has helped her mental health.
Louise Minchin might have swapped the famous red sofa on BBC Breakfast for her running shoes, but she’s back on the small screen and loving it.
The 56-year-old journalist, who ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon with daughter Mia recently (she shares Mia, 23, and Scarlett, 19, with husband of 25 years David), woke up the nation for over 20 years on BBC Breakfast, until she stepped down in 2021. But the broadcaster is as busy as ever – smashing fitness goals and appearing on Morning Live, as well as co-presenting iconic consumer show Rip-Off Britain, taking over from show stalwart Angela Rippon. Here, talking exclusively to new, Louise opens up about mental health, marathon life – and the next adventure on her bucket list…
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How are you, Louise? You spent 20 years hosting BBC Breakfast. Do you miss those early-morning starts?
I’m great, thanks. And no, I do not miss those early starts! I do miss the team, though. But I’m now on Morning Live and another show, so it’s nice being part of a new team, too.
What was the highlight of your BBC Breakfast appearance?
Definitely the week we did called Wake Up To Menopause. It was before menopause became a bigger conversation – before Davina McCall really brought it into the spotlight. The response was incredible, and I’m really proud of that.
Was there a time in your career when you felt completely at ease?
Yes, Gladiators is producing a celebrity episode! Even though I’ve worked in television for years, television sets typically appear smaller. However, Gladiators? What had I done as soon as I entered the room? It was utterly terrifying and massive. but also a unique experience. One of my favorite moments at work was having it.
You interviewed a lot of famous people. Who has always been your favorite?
Absolutely fantastic, George Clooney. I was late, though, which is funny! George was my fault because I never would have arrived late, but it was the Tube. Even though I detest crowded lifts, I was rushing to get the lift. However, George saved the day by holding that lift, which meant we both ended up late. The chat itself? It was fantastic, of course. George is essentially a Clooney flip.
What does a typical weekend with the family look like when not watching TV?
We’ll honestly just do something simple together, like a swim or a pub lunch. I’ve got two dogs, and they’re great at the pub now, because they’ve been there so often! We do enjoy a nice lunch together. It’s just about relaxing and having fun as a family.
You enjoy running a lot. Does that aid both physically and mentally?
Hugely. Especially when I was on BBC Breakfast – there was a lot of pressure. Running gave me that time out. At first, my mind was racing, but over the years, running became my switch-off. Now, I don’t worry when I run. It’s helped so much with stress, I’d recommend it to everyone.
Then, how did you start running?
I actually stopped playing sports when I was 15 because I was once a good swimmer. Then, for a long time, I didn’t do much. In 2012, I completed a challenge for BBC Breakfast, and I recovered. I hadn’t competed in a velodrome race in probably 30 years, and it was a bike race. And then I realized how incredible it was to me, you know, that it brought that excitement and adrenaline, so I resumed triathlon, which is obviously required of triathletes as well.
How does your daughter Mia keep running?
When we compete, we always run together. She is a 23-year-old woman who is undoubtedly a better runner than I am. But I bring resilience where she has ability. We excel at pushing one another, such as “Come on, just 1K more” or “Let’s get to that point.” Working together is brilliant. I don’t believe I could run right now without her. We make an effort to start and finish the conversation together.
What has been your biggest fitness challenge to date?
I did a triathlon called Patagonman – which is supposedly, and probably is, the toughest triathlon in the world. You swim 3.8 kilometres, jumping off a ferry in the dark. Then cycle 180 kilometres, which is 112 miles, and finish by running a marathon. It took me about 16 hours to complete.
Any harrowing or embarrassing running tales?
I’m in a million, gosh! I ran onto the run course with my bike helmet still on during one of the most embarrassing triathlons ever! That made me cry. In the middle of a triathlon, I also fell off my bike in Liverpool. It was dramatic, to be honest.
What fitness myth do you wish more people disbelieve?
that you must constantly strive for “personal bests.” I simply enjoy running. That’s what I want people to know: fitness is universal, and it doesn’t need to be competitive or performative.
What day would be ideal for a relaxing vacation?
Oh, I think my favourite kind of rest is being at home, hopping in a nice bubble bath, and watching something on Netflix.
And what’s on your bucket list for the upcoming big adventure?
I want to start doing more long-distance running, particularly in the Lake District. That challenge is something I’m really looking forward to!
Visit llhm for more information about the London Landmarks Half Marathon. . uk/pre-register-half
Source: Mirror
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