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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Hi Louise, how are you? You were on BBC Breakfast for two decades. Are you missing 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 your most memorable moment on BBC Breakfast?
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 where you felt totally out of your comfort zone?
Oh yes, doing a celebrity episode of Gladiators! I’ve worked in TV for years and usually, sets look smaller in real life. But Gladiators? I walked in and thought, “Oh my gosh, what have I done?” It was massive and utterly terrifying. But also a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had at work.
You’ve interviewed a lot of high-profile people. Who’s been your favourite?
Oh, George Clooney, hands down. But the funny thing is, I was late! I never would’ve been late for George, but it was the Tube’s fault. I was running to catch the lift, even though I hate crowded lifts, and it was closing. But George saved the day by holding that lift – we were both late in the end. The chat itself? Of course, it was great. It’s George flipping Clooney.
Away from TV, what does a typical family weekend look like?
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’re an avid runner. Does that help you mentally as well as physically?
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.
How did you get into running, then?
I actually gave up sport around age 15 – I used to be a good swimmer. Then I didn’t do much for many years. I got back into fitness during a challenge for BBC Breakfast in 2012. It was a velodrome race on bikes, and I hadn’t done competitive sport in probably 30 years. And, I just realised that it was amazing just how much it brought to me, you know, that excitement and that adrenaline, and so I went back into sport then and started doing triathlon and obviously you have to run as part of triathlon as well.
How do you motivate your daughter Mia when running?
We always run together when we race. She’s 23 and I’m 56 – she’s definitely the better runner. But where she has ability, I bring resilience. We’re good at pushing each other – “Come on, just 1K more,” or “Let’s get to that point.” It’s brilliant doing it as a team. I don’t think I could run without her now. We try to start and finish together.
What’s 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 funny or embarrassing stories about running?
Oh gosh, I’ve got a million! One of the most embarrassing was during a triathlon – I ran onto the run course with my bike helmet still on! That was mortifying. Another time, I fell off my bike in Liverpool in the middle of a triathlon. Honestly, it was dramatic.
What’s one fitness myth you wish more people would stop believing?
That you need to be chasing “personal bests” all the time. I just run for fun. That’s what I want people to know – fitness is for everyone, and it doesn’t need to be competitive or performative.
What’s the perfect chill-out day for you?
Oh, I think my favourite kind of rest is being at home, hopping in a nice bubble bath, and watching something on Netflix.
And the next big adventure on your bucket list?
I’m planning to get into more long-distance running, particularly in the Lake District. I’m really looking forward to that challenge!
For more on the London Landmarks Half Marathon visit llhm.co.uk/pre-register-half
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