Michelle Ackerley: Motherhood can be overwhelming at times
Morning Live presenter Michelle Ackerley finds parenting "overwhelming at times" after welcoming daughter Nala into the world last year.
Michelle Ackerley finds motherhood "overwhelming at times".
The 42-year-old presenter welcomed daughter Nala with her husband Ben Ryan in October 2025 and has described looking after the little one as a "never-ending" challenge.
Asked how she is finding being a parent, Michelle told New magazine: "I love it, but the juggle is overwhelming at times.
"Mum's been helping look after Nala, as she developed a throat infection. I don't think I realised before having kids that it's literally never-ending."
The Morning Live host explained that her life has changed drastically since having Nala – although this is something she is grateful for after she was told previously that her chances of falling pregnant were remote.
Michelle said: "Gosh, it's been an absolute roller-coaster, even just becoming pregnant. I was told the chances of me having a child were slim, so it was a miracle.
"I feel like I'm redefining my identity. Sometimes I'm at home thinking, 'What do I need to do work-wise?' Then at work I miss Nala."
Michelle and her Morning Live co-host Gethin Jones are set to take part in Pudsey's Build A Band Challenge for BBC Children In Need – in which they have had only six weeks to learn musical instruments from scratch before performing in a supergroup – and she says raising funds for the charity is even more meaningful now that she is a parent.
The star explained: "From the moment Nala was born and I held her in my arms, she was surrounded by love. All we want to do is protect her.
"It's so sad to think there are children out there who are so incredibly vulnerable and don't have what we're able to give Nala. That's why I'm putting my heart and soul into this."
Michelle has featured on Morning Live since 2024 and has a deep bond with her co-presenters Jones and Helen Skelton.
The One Show presenter said: "We're a family. Helen and I were flatmates in London over 20 years ago. We've been best friends ever since.
"And Gethin's like a brother to me."
However, Ackerley is envious of her co-hosts as she hasn't had the chance to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
She said: "I think I'm the only one on Morning Live who hasn't had the call. Strictly dancers come on to do Strictly fitness, so I'm already practicing behind the scenes."
