Helen Skelton on Challenges, Confidence and Comebacks

Helen Skelton on Challenges, Confidence and Comebacks

Author: Kate Thornton February 5, 2026 Duration: 41:24

Welcome to White Wine Question Time - we're not far away from our 500th episode - and as ever we do want to say thank you for listening whether you're new to our show or whether you're one of the OG listeners.


As we prepare for the NEXT 500 shows we'd love to know who your favourite guests have been - drop us an email (about that or anything else!) to hello@whitewinepod.com.


Now this week we have a phenomenal woman on the podcast. Helen Skelton done it all - cycled to the South Pole, kayaked along the Amazon and run marathons through the desert. She continues to redefine her life and career - bending the traditions and so-called rules to fit her ambitions and her family.


Those who have worked with her (including our producer Geoff who worked with Helen at BBC Radio 5 Live) are quick to say she's one of the nicest people in the industry and deserves every opportunity she's fought for. In the past few years we've watched her grow in confidence after some setbacks - and we're all ready for her triumphant era.


As Helen would have said on Blue Peter... here's one we made earlier.


Cheers xx


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


There’s a particular kind of conversation that happens after a glass or two of wine, where guards come down and real stories emerge. That’s the atmosphere White Wine Question Time captures so perfectly. Hosted by Kate Thornton, each episode gathers well-known friends for a relaxed yet revealing chat, structured around three thoughtful questions and, of course, a shared bottle. What unfolds is less a formal interview and more a glimpse into the genuine friendships behind the public personas. You’ll hear laughter, unexpected confessions, and perspectives on culture, society, and current events that rarely make the headlines. This podcast thrives in the space between entertainment and intimate disclosure, often veering into comedy as these candid discussions unfold. With a vast back catalogue of over 450 episodes, each one feels like pulling up a chair to a fascinating table. Whether you start with the latest release or browse the extensive archive, you’re guaranteed a listen that’s as engaging and relevant as it is genuinely enjoyable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

White Wine Question Time
Podcast Episodes
Something from the Cellar: Alan Cumming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:53
Fresh from stealing the spotlight as host of this year’s BAFTAs and stirring up drama on The Traitors US, we’re revisiting our brilliant conversation with the endlessly entertaining Alan Cumming.In this episode, Alan ope…
Something from the Cellar: Monty Don [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
As the first signs of spring begin to bloom, we’re revisiting our life-affirming conversation with the nation’s favourite gardener: Monty Don!In this uplifting episode, Monty reflects on his remarkable journey from strug…
Amanda Abbington on resilience, reinvention, and choosing joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
Joining us today is a fearless and brilliant actress whose career has seen her light up stage and screen in everything from Sherlock to Mr. Selfridge, and whose life off-screen has been just as dramatic, heartbreaking, a…
Something from the Cellar: Mark Bonnar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:21
After last week’s brilliant chat with Stephen Fry, we’re keeping the momentum going by revisiting our conversation with another soon-to-be star of Celebrity Traitors UK, it’s the wonderful Mark Bonnar!In this episode, Ma…
Stephen Fry on passion, privilege, and the power of storytelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:04
Joining us today is one of the most celebrated thinkers and entertainers of our time – a writer, actor, comedian, and cultural icon whose voice and wit have been part of the fabric of British life for decades. From Black…
Something from the Cellar: Daisy May Cooper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:25
Following last week’s laugh-out-loud revisit with Joe Lycett, we’re celebrating another standout star of Amazon Prime's Last One Laughing, it’s the brilliantly funny Daisy May Cooper!Best known for her BAFTA-winning work…
Something from the Cellar: Joe Lycett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:09
With Last One Laughing currently cracking us up on Amazon Prime, we’re throwing it back to our brilliant chat with one of its standout stars: comedian and TV host Joe Lycett!In this episode, Joe reflects on his journey t…