Ellie Costello: From BBC Reporter to GB News Breakfast Presenter
The Career Journey of a Modern British News Presenter
Introduction
Ellie Costello is a British broadcast journalist whose career path reflects dedication to traditional reporting values combined with the demands of modern live television. Best known today as a breakfast presenter on GB News, Ellie Costello has built her professional reputation through careful progression rather than sudden visibility. Her journey from BBC reporting roles to a prominent position on national breakfast television highlights a career shaped by education, newsroom discipline, and an ability to communicate clearly under pressure.
In an era where news audiences are increasingly sceptical and fragmented, Ellie Costello stands out for her measured tone and focus on substance. Her work spans field reporting, national news coverage, and long-form live presenting, requiring both editorial judgement and a strong on-screen presence. Understanding her career provides insight not only into her individual achievements, but also into how contemporary broadcast journalists develop trust and longevity in the UK media industry.
Quick Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ellie Costello |
| Profession | Broadcast Journalist, Television Presenter |
| Nationality | British |
| Date of Birth | November 1993 |
| Age | 32 years old as of 2026 |
| Known For | GB News Breakfast Presenter |
| Education | University of Southampton; City, University of London |
| Early Career | BBC World Service; Victoria Derbyshire programme |
| Current Role | National Reporter and Breakfast Presenter at GB News |
| Place Raised | Essex, England |
Early Life and Background
Ellie Costello grew up in Essex, where she was raised in a household that placed strong emphasis on education and communication. Both of her parents worked as teachers, a background that influenced her early interest in language, explanation, and structured thinking. Growing up with siblings in an academically oriented environment encouraged discussion and curiosity, traits that later became central to her professional identity as a journalist.
Her upbringing was not centred on media exposure or public attention, but on learning and personal development. This grounding is often reflected in her on-air style, which prioritises clarity and understanding over performance. Rather than presenting herself as a celebrity figure, Ellie Costello has consistently positioned herself as a working journalist whose role is to inform and explain.
Age and Date of Birth
Ellie Costello was born in November 1993, which makes her 32 years old as of 2026. Her age reflects a career that has developed steadily rather than rapidly, combining formal academic training with years of practical newsroom experience. By her early thirties, Ellie Costello had already worked at the BBC, reported on nationally significant events, and established herself as a trusted breakfast presenter on GB News—an achievement that underlines both professional maturity and editorial credibility at a relatively young age.
Education and Training
Ellie Costello’s academic journey played a crucial role in shaping her career. She studied English Literature at the University of Southampton, where she developed strong analytical and narrative skills. This degree sharpened her ability to interpret complex material, structure arguments, and communicate ideas clearly, all of which are essential skills in broadcast journalism.
Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London. This postgraduate programme is widely regarded as one of the most respected journalism training routes in the UK. It combines practical newsroom experience with instruction in media law, ethics, and production, preparing students for the realities of live broadcasting. For Ellie Costello, this period marked the transition from academic interest to professional commitment.
BBC Beginnings and Early Career Development
Ellie Costello began her journalism career at the BBC World Service, an organisation recognised globally for its editorial standards and international reach. Working in this environment required precision, adaptability, and an ability to report accurately for a diverse global audience. The experience provided her with early exposure to fast-moving news cycles and reinforced the importance of accuracy and context.
She later worked on the Victoria Derbyshire programme, a BBC current affairs show known for its focus on human-interest stories and investigative journalism. This role allowed Ellie Costello to deepen her engagement with people-led reporting, covering stories that explored the real-life impact of political and social issues. The emphasis on empathy and accountability during this phase of her career significantly influenced her approach to journalism.
Transition to GB News
In May 2021, Ellie Costello joined GB News as a South-East reporter, becoming part of the channel during its earliest phase before its official launch. Entering a new broadcaster at such a formative stage required flexibility and resilience. Reporting in a developing newsroom meant covering a wide range of stories while contributing to the channel’s emerging identity.
As a regional reporter, she covered stories with both local importance and national relevance, requiring sensitivity as well as editorial judgement. Her work during this period demonstrated her ability to handle breaking news and emotionally complex situations, earning her wider recognition within the organisation.
Rise to National Reporting and Breakfast Television
Ellie Costello’s role at GB News expanded over time as she moved into national reporting and anchoring responsibilities. Her progression culminated in becoming a regular presenter on the channel’s breakfast programming, one of the most demanding formats in television journalism. Breakfast news requires presenters to manage live interviews, breaking developments, political debate, and rolling coverage over several hours.
Her calm delivery and controlled questioning style have become defining features of her on-air presence. Rather than relying on confrontation or spectacle, Ellie Costello focuses on clarity and relevance, helping audiences understand the significance of the stories being discussed. This approach has contributed to her growing recognition as a reliable and authoritative breakfast presenter.
On-Air Style and Journalism Approach
Ellie Costello’s journalism is characterised by balance and composure. She is known for asking direct questions while maintaining a respectful tone, particularly in interviews with politicians and public figures. Her background in human-interest reporting continues to influence her work, ensuring that national stories are framed in terms of their real-world impact.
This style aligns with the expectations of modern audiences, who increasingly seek explanation and context rather than sensational headlines. Ellie Costello’s ability to maintain authority without alienating viewers has become a key part of her professional identity.
Personal Life and Privacy
Ellie Costello maintains a clear boundary between her professional role and her private life. While aspects of her background, such as her upbringing in Essex and her parents’ professions, are publicly known, she does not routinely discuss personal matters on air. This discretion reinforces her focus on journalism rather than personal branding, a choice that supports her credibility as a news presenter.
Current Role and Ongoing Work
Ellie Costello continues to be a prominent figure on GB News, regularly presenting breakfast programming and contributing to national coverage. Her work includes live political interviews, reporting on major UK events, and guiding viewers through complex developments as they unfold. Her continued presence in a high-profile time slot reflects both audience trust and professional consistency.
Conclusion
Ellie Costello’s journey from BBC reporter to GB News breakfast presenter illustrates a career built on preparation, adaptability, and professional integrity. From her early life in Essex and academic training in literature and journalism to her reporting roles at the BBC and her current position on national breakfast television, her biography reflects commitment to the craft of journalism. In a fast-changing media landscape, Ellie Costello remains a steady and credible voice, exemplifying the values of clear communication and responsible reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellie Costello
How old is Ellie Costello?
Ellie Costello was born in November 1993, which makes her 32 years old as of 2026. By her early thirties, she had already established herself as a national reporter and breakfast presenter, reflecting steady career progression built on education and newsroom experience rather than rapid media exposure.
What is Ellie Costello known for?
Ellie Costello is best known for her work as a breakfast presenter and national reporter on GB News. She is particularly recognised for her calm delivery, clear questioning style, and ability to handle live political interviews and breaking news during early-morning broadcasts.
Did Ellie Costello work at the BBC?
Yes, Ellie Costello began her journalism career at the BBC World Service and later worked on the Victoria Derbyshire programme. These roles helped shape her editorial discipline and interest in human-interest reporting before she moved into commercial broadcasting.
Is Ellie Costello married?
Media reports in 2025 indicated that Ellie Costello married Gerard Durkan. However, she keeps her personal life largely private and does not publicly discuss her relationship or family matters in her professional work.
What did Ellie Costello study at university?
Ellie Costello studied English Literature at the University of Southampton and later completed a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London. This academic background provided both strong communication skills and formal broadcast training that supported her transition into television journalism.
