New Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton

Helen Skelton is dating footballer David Graham, who plays for Scottish premier league team Hamilton Academicals, and her brother Gavin plays for rival team Kilmarnock.

But she also has a sound broadcasting background. She has a undergraduate degree in journalism from the Cumbria Institute of the Arts and worked at BBC Radio Cumbria before being poached by Newsround. A source at Blue Peter said: "It's a bit of a departure to employ the services of a WAG, but they're delighted to have Helen on board.

"She's not dizzy like a lot of the footballers' girlfriends - she's got a good head on her shoulders. Unlike most WAGs, Helen comes from a footballing family and knows her stuff. Saying that, she's also pretty clued up about shopping.

"She is perfect for Blue Peter - sexy, bubbly and up for anything."

In a profile written for her work with BBC Radio Cumbria, she listed additional talents that will make her a favourite on the teatime show.

She had bit-parts on Coronation Street and Cutting It, worked as a dance teacher in her hometown of Penrith in Cumbria and is a qualified tap dance teacher.

"Qualifications that unfortunately go to my head when I hit the dance floor on Saturday nights," she added.

A friend of Skelton's was quoted as saying: "She is very ambitious and this is her dream job. She sees it as a stepping stone to other high-profile presenting jobs and would love to one day be on Match of the Day."

Previous Blue Peter presenters have gone on to work as breakfast television presenters, appear on Strictly Come Dancing and in stage shows, as well as carrying to Olympic flame through London earlier this summer.

Via telegraph.co.uk