If you’ve been watching GB News lately, you’ve almost certainly come across Ellie Costello. She’s sharp, composed, and brings a genuine warmth to her broadcasts that viewers simply love. But beyond the camera, plenty of people are searching to learn more about her — from Ellie Costello’s age to details about her husband, parents, and even a deeply personal ordeal she bravely made public. This article covers it all.
Quick Biography Table:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ellie Costello |
| Profession | Journalist, Television Presenter, News Anchor |
| Date of Birth | 23 November 1993 |
| Age (2026) | 32 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Essex, England, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School |
| University | University of Southampton (English Literature) |
| Postgraduate Degree | Master’s in Broadcast Journalism, City, University of London |
| Current Employer | GB News |
| Current Role | GB News Breakfast Presenter & National Reporter |
| Previous Employer | BBC |
| Known For | GB News Breakfast, Investigative Journalism |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Gerard Durkan |
| Marriage Date | April 2025 |
| Children | No publicly confirmed children (as of 2026) |
| Parents | Both worked as teachers |
| Siblings | Two siblings |
| Ethnicity/Heritage | British with Irish heritage |
| Residence | United Kingdom |
| Notable Event | Publicly spoke about surviving a 16-month stalking ordeal |
| Years Active | 2010s–Present |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Who Is Ellie Costello?
Ellie Costello is a British journalist, television presenter, and national reporter who has become one of the most recognisable faces on UK news television. She currently anchors the GB News Breakfast programme alongside Eamonn Holmes and Stephen Dixon — a show that has won the TRIC Award three times. Her calm delivery, investigative instincts, and ability to connect with audiences have made her a rising star in British broadcasting.
Before landing at GB News, she spent years building her craft at the BBC, producing radio programmes and reporting on some of the most significant social issues of the time. Today, she is considered one of the most trusted journalists in her generation — and public curiosity about her life, both on and off screen, continues to grow rapidly.
Ellie Costello Age: How Old Is She?
One of the most frequently searched topics about her is Ellie Costello’s age, and it’s easy to see why — she has achieved so much in what feels like a remarkably short time. Ellie Costello was born on 23 November 1993, which makes her 32 years old as of 2026.
Growing up in Essex, England, she attended Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, where she graduated in 2012. Impressively, she served as Head Girl in her final year — an early sign of the leadership qualities that would define her career. The fact that she anchors a nationally watched breakfast programme at just 32 years old speaks volumes about her drive and dedication.
Ellie Costello Wikipedia: What Her Profile Tells Us
For those searching for Ellie Costello Wikipedia, her profile describes her as a British journalist and television presenter primarily known for her work with GB News and previously with BBC News. Her career highlights include reporting on national issues, presenting live television programmes, and contributing to investigative journalism.
Her Wikipedia presence — and the public interest that drives people to search for it — reflects just how far her profile has risen since joining GB News in 2021. For a journalist still in her early thirties, it is a remarkable achievement that speaks to her talent and hard work.
Ellie Costello’s Parents and Father: A Grounded Essex Upbringing
Curiosity around Ellie Costello’s parents — and particularly her father — is a common thread online, though Ellie herself keeps much of her family life private. What she has shared publicly, however, paints a warm and grounded picture.
In her own words on her GB News profile, she revealed: “I’m the daughter of two teachers, so perhaps my pursuit of facts and my love of asking questions has something to do with that.” Her Ellie Costello father, then, was a teacher — a background that clearly nurtured her intellectual curiosity and her instinct to always dig deeper for answers. She also mentioned growing up in Essex with two siblings, and has spoken fondly of her county, describing Essex people as “some of the most down to earth, warm and genuinely lovely people.”
Ellie’s family also carries Irish heritage, which she has occasionally referenced as an important part of her cultural identity — one that has shaped her character and sense of self over the years.
Ellie Costello Husband: Her Marriage to Gerard Durkan
When it comes to Ellie Costello’s husband, the journalist has shown that even the most private people eventually share the moments that truly matter. In November 2023, Ellie announced her engagement on social media, writing warmly: “There’s so little good news in the world right now… I hope you don’t mind me sharing some of my own. I said YES.”
Her husband is Gerard Durkan, her French partner, and the couple married in April 2025. The wedding was held at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London — an intimate civil ceremony attended by close friends and family. Ellie wore a long-sleeved white mini dress, completed with a beaded headband and an all-white bouquet. It was a beautifully low-key affair, perfectly in keeping with Ellie’s character.
Ellie rarely discusses Gerard in detail during public appearances, preferring to maintain a healthy boundary between her professional and personal worlds. That said, the joy of the occasion was evident, and fans who have followed her career were delighted to celebrate this milestone with her.
Ellie Costello Children: Does She Have Any?
Another frequently searched topic is Ellie Costello’s children, with many fans curious about whether she has started a family. As of 2026, there are no confirmed reports of Ellie Costello having children. She has not made any public announcements regarding motherhood, and given her preference for keeping personal matters private, any such news would likely be shared through her official channels in her own time.
For now, Ellie’s focus clearly remains on her journalism career, which continues to go from strength to strength.
Ellie Costello Stalking: A 16-Month Ordeal She Bravely Shared
Perhaps the most sobering chapter in Ellie Costello’s story is the Ellie Costello stalking ordeal she lived through — and ultimately spoke out about publicly in November 2022.
Ellie revealed that she had been stalked for 16 months by Leo Jones, a former star of the TV show Airline, who had appeared on GB News via a Zoom interview. Despite never having met Ellie in person, Jones developed a dangerous obsession with her after seeing her on screen. He began sending her numerous messages on social media and, alarmingly, started showing up at locations where she was filming — including, on one occasion, turning up at her studio at 5am.
The experience took a severe toll on her mental health. Ellie described feeling constant paranoia and anxiety, saying she would spend her working days looking over her shoulder. During the Queen’s funeral in September 2022 — one of the biggest broadcasting moments of the year — she spotted her stalker in the crowd while she was live on air.
In her own words, she described feeling “like a sitting duck” during her broadcasts, knowing that revealing her location on live television made her vulnerable. “Even today I pulled up in the car and checked both sides to make sure he wasn’t there before I got out. You’re on edge constantly,” she said.
Ellie appeared in court to read her victim impact statement from behind a curtain. Jones pleaded guilty to stalking and harassment, and was handed a five-year restraining order along with a suspended prison sentence. Following the verdict, Ellie took to social media and described the past 16 months as “a scary ordeal,” adding that she felt “an intense sense of relief” — but also noted the wider issue at hand. Only five per cent of stalking cases in England and Wales end with a charge, and Ellie has since become an advocate for better protections for victims of stalking, particularly women.
Her decision to speak out so publicly about such a painful experience showed enormous courage — and only deepened the respect that viewers and fellow journalists hold for her.
Is Ellie Costello’s Hair Real?
It might seem like an unusual question, but “Is Ellie Costello hair real?” is genuinely one of the most searched queries about her — a reflection of the scrutiny that television presenters often face about their appearance. The simple answer is: yes. There is no credible evidence whatsoever to suggest that Ellie’s hair is anything other than her own.
Her polished, camera-ready look is the result of professional styling and the high production standards at GB News — exactly what viewers see across all major broadcast networks. It is a reminder of how much public interest surrounds on-screen personalities, and how normal curiosity about their appearance can become.
Ellie Costello’s Career: From BBC to GB News
No article about Ellie Costello would be complete without tracing the journey that brought her to where she is today.
Early Career at the BBC
Ellie began her journalism career at the BBC World Service, where she produced radio programmes including Outside Source, BBC Minute, and The Newsroom. She then joined the BAFTA award-winning Victoria Derbyshire Programme, where she conducted high-impact investigative reports — including exposés on bullying in the British beauty industry and influencers being solicited for sex. These investigations were among the most watched in the programme’s history and earned her a shortlist nomination for BBC Rising Star in 2020.
Joining GB News
Ellie joined GB News in May 2021, even before the channel officially launched, initially serving as its South-East England reporter. She has since grown into a national anchor role, presenting the GB News Breakfast Show and covering major events across the UK.
Education
Ellie’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her career. She studied English Literature at the University of Southampton before completing a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London — one of the UK’s most respected institutions for media training.
Final Thoughts
Ellie Costello is far more than just a TV presenter. She is a tenacious journalist, a stalking survivor turned advocate, and a thoroughly relatable public figure who has won over audiences with her honesty and professionalism. Whether you’re here to learn about Ellie Costello’s age, her husband Gerard Durkan, her parents and father, her children, her stalking ordeal, or even just to find out if her hair is real — hopefully this article has answered every question.
Her story is one of hard work, resilience, and the kind of quiet determination that doesn’t always make the headlines, but defines a career.
You may also read: Michelle Dewberry: Life, Career, Family, and GB News Journey
