STAR STRUGGLES TO LAND TV CONTRACT

COUNTRYFILE star Helen Skelton has moaned she cannot get a contract with the BBC – despite being one of its “poster girls”.

The former Blue Peter host became a household name while presenting the Beeb’s 2016 Olympic swimming coverage.

But asked if the gender pay-gap controversy had affected her, Helen said: “I would just like a contract or a pay-packet, never mind a rise.

“I’m just freelance, so it didn’t affect me. I don’t think it is about gender.

“In this world with zero contracts and lack of contracts there are lots of people who are paid unfairly.”

Helen is on a break from work following the birth of her second child, Louis, in April. The married mum-oftwo does not get company maternity pay because she is freelance.

She said: “I have been in a bubble for two years of not thinking about pay-packets or wages. But I probably need to get talking to colleagues and see where we are at. It’s important for people to stick together.”

The 34-year-old also laughed at the suggestion she is a sex symbol, saying: “I don’t see myself as one.

“I mean, it is great for your ego but I don’t feel very sexy at 3am when I have a baby sucking on my boob.

“And, being a mum, I’m normally in no make-up when I’m not on telly. So I find it hilarious that anyone could call me a sex symbol.”

But Helen admitted she would like to dress up for a stint on Strictly Come Dancing having taken part in the Christmas special five years ago.

She said: “I have talked to Strictly in the past but the timing has never been right.

“I don’t think it is a show you can say no to if you have the time. Maybe next year.

“Everyone is on the top of their game – the best make-up artists, best cameramen, best costumes, production.”

She also said she would love to appear on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity.

Helen is supporting the #HelpUs HelpThem campaign by P&G and Sainsbury’s to raise funds for Royal British Legion and PoppyScotland.