Ellie Costello: The Woman Behind the GB News Breakfast Show

Introduction

Ellie Costello is a British journalist, television presenter, and news correspondent best known for presenting breakfast programmes on GB News. She has developed a successful broadcasting career through political interviews, investigative reporting, and coverage of major national events.

Before joining GB News in 2021, she worked with the BBC, gaining valuable experience in radio and television journalism. Her professional achievements include recognition as a BBC Rising Star in 2020 and presenting an award-winning breakfast programme.

Beyond her journalism career, Ellie has attracted public interest in her education, family background, marriage, and personal experiences.

Quick Bio of Ellie Costello

DetailsInformation
Full NameEllie Costello
ProfessionJournalist, Television Presenter, Event Host
NationalityBritish
BirthplaceNot publicly confirmed
HometownEssex, England
Family HeritageIrish descent
EducationUniversity of Southampton
Postgraduate EducationCity, University of London
QualificationsNot publicly confirmed
Current EmployerGB News
Previous EmployerBBC
Known ForGB News Breakfast
Joined GB News2021
HusbandGerard Durkan
Marriage Date12 April 2025
RecognitionBBC Rising Star (2020)
Instagram@elliecostellotv

Ellie Costello’s Early Life and Family Background

Ellie Costello grew up in Essex, England, where she spent her early years before pursuing higher education and a broadcasting career.

She comes from a family with Irish heritage and has expressed a strong connection to Irish music, food, and culture.

Members of her family have worked in London’s construction industry, contributing to her interest in mental health support within that sector.

Although her television career attracts considerable attention, Ellie does not publicly disclose every detail of her childhood and family relationships.

Her interest in communication eventually developed into a professional commitment to journalism.

Education and Academic Qualifications

Ellie Costello attended the University of Southampton, where she studied English Literature.

During her university years, she participated in student broadcasting, developing practical experience in presenting and communication.

She subsequently completed postgraduate studies in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London.

Her academic training helped develop the reporting, interviewing, writing, and production skills required in professional broadcasting.

Her educational background provided a strong foundation for her subsequent work in radio, television, and digital journalism.

Beginning of Her Journalism Career

Ellie began her professional broadcasting career at the BBC, where she gained experience in radio journalism and news production.

She worked with the BBC World Service and contributed to programmes covering international developments and current affairs.

She later joined the Victoria Derbyshire Programme, which focused on investigative journalism and important social issues.

Her investigations included online sexual solicitation involving influencers and bullying within the British beauty industry.

These reports attracted significant attention and demonstrated her ability to investigate sensitive subjects.

In 2020, she received recognition as a BBC Rising Star for her journalism and ability to communicate with contributors.

Ellie Costello’s Career at GB News

Ellie Costello joined GB News in 2021 as a reporter covering South East England.

Her early responsibilities included reporting from different locations, covering developing stories, and interviewing members of the public.

She subsequently progressed into national reporting and studio presentation.

She became a familiar face on GB News Breakfast, presenting alongside broadcasters including Stephen Dixon and Eamonn Holmes.

Her responsibilities include introducing news stories, interviewing politicians, presenting current affairs discussions, and responding to breaking developments.

She has also hosted Saturday Morning Live alongside Peter Andre.

Her work on the channel’s breakfast programming has connected her with a programme recognised multiple times at the TRIC Awards.

Major News Stories and Reporting Achievements

Throughout her broadcasting career, Ellie Costello has reported on significant events affecting Britain and the wider world.

Her assignments have included coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and King Charles III’s coronation in 2023.

She has also covered British and American elections, political developments, and major public demonstrations.

Her courtroom reporting experience includes high-profile proceedings involving Boris Becker, Wayne Couzens, and Kevin Spacey.

She also covered developments surrounding the Wagatha Christie case.

In 2025, her international reporting included coverage of the death of Pope Francis and the subsequent papal conclave in Rome.

These assignments demonstrate her experience across politics, criminal justice, royal events, and international news.

Ellie Costello’s Husband and Married Life

Ellie Costello is married to Gerard Durkan.

The couple married on 12 April 2025 in a ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London.

Their wedding attracted media attention, with photographs showing the couple celebrating outside the venue.

Ellie wore a white long-sleeved mini dress and carried a white bouquet.

She had previously announced their engagement in November 2023 through a social media post.

Although her marriage is publicly documented, she maintains a distinction between her broadcasting responsibilities and private family life.

Reliable details concerning whether the couple have children have not been established.

Ellie Costello’s Experience With Stalking

In November 2022, Ellie Costello publicly discussed a serious stalking experience that had affected her for approximately 16 months.

The harassment began after she interviewed a man remotely for a television programme.

His behaviour escalated from unwanted messages to sending gifts and appearing at locations connected to her work.

Ellie explained that the experience caused anxiety, distress, and concerns about her safety.

The case resulted in the offender receiving a suspended custodial sentence and a five-year restraining order.

By discussing her experience publicly, Ellie helped raise awareness of stalking and the importance of protecting victims.

Her account also highlighted the safety challenges faced by journalists working in public locations.

Professional Recognition and Achievements

Ellie Costello has received professional recognition throughout her broadcasting career.

Her achievements include being named a BBC Rising Star in 2020 and contributing to the success of GB News Breakfast.

Her earlier broadcasting experience also includes recognition in student media competitions.

She received the Best Presenter award at SUSUtv in 2016 and achieved third place in the Best Onscreen Female category at the National Student Television Awards that year.

These achievements reflect her professional development from student broadcasting to national television.

Ellie Costello’s Net Worth and Salary

Ellie Costello earns her professional income through journalism, television presenting, and related broadcasting activities.

However, her exact annual salary and personal net worth have not been publicly verified.

Her earnings may depend on contractual arrangements, presenting responsibilities, and additional professional engagements.

Without reliable financial documentation, assigning a specific amount would be speculative.

Her documented broadcasting career provides a stronger basis for evaluating her professional achievements.

Ellie Costello’s Social Media Presence

Ellie Costello maintains a social media presence where she shares updates connected to her broadcasting career.

Her Instagram account, @elliecostellotv, provides an additional way for audiences to follow her professional activities.

She also uses social platforms to communicate with viewers and discuss topics of public interest.

Her online presence complements her television career and helps her connect with audiences beyond traditional broadcasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ellie Costello?

Ellie Costello is a British journalist and television presenter best known for presenting GB News Breakfast.

Where is Ellie Costello from?

She grew up in Essex, England, and has Irish family heritage.

How old is Ellie Costello?

She was described as 31 years old in April 2025. Her exact date of birth has not been independently confirmed.

Is Ellie Costello married?

Yes. She married Gerard Durkan on 12 April 2025.

Who is Ellie Costello’s husband?

Her husband is Gerard Durkan.

Where did Ellie Costello study?

She studied at the University of Southampton and City, University of London.

When did Ellie Costello join GB News?

She joined GB News in 2021.

Did Ellie Costello work for the BBC?

Yes. She previously worked with the BBC World Service and the Victoria Derbyshire Programme.

What is Ellie Costello’s net worth?

Her exact net worth has not been publicly verified.

Final Thoughts

Ellie Costello has developed a notable career in British journalism through investigative reporting, political interviews, and television presentation.

Her journey from student broadcasting to the BBC and GB News demonstrates her commitment to professional journalism.

Alongside her broadcasting achievements, her marriage to Gerard Durkan and willingness to discuss her experience with stalking have attracted public attention.

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