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Helen Skelton co-presented Blue Peter from 2008-2013. She was part of the Olympics presenting team and appears on Countryfile. She also presents Holiday Hit Squad for BT Sport and this week

sees her on new TV series Operation Meet The Street. Helen, 31, who lives in Cheshire with her rugby league player husband, Richie Myler, tells us about her plans for Christmas. TELL US

ABOUT YOUR NEW TV SHOW, OPERATION MEET THE STREET.  It’s presented by James Martin and linked to a BBC campaign about loneliness at Christmas. The show introduces neighbours to each other to

forge a stronger community. I take James to the village where I grew up, Kirkby Thore, in the Lake District, and show him that the sense of community in rural places can be stronger than in

towns.   WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE LEAVING BLUE PETER LAST YEAR?  I spent a lot of this year writing a children’s book about an adventurous character called Amy Wild. It’s out in

April.  HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS? I’ve spent a lot of Christmases away – last year on honeymoon and in 2012 I was in Antarctica for Sport Relief – so I value being with family and

friends. I’ve never cooked Christmas dinner before but I’ve invited at least 12 people, so my debut Christmas dinner is likely to be pure comedy.   HELEN SKELTON HAS DRESS MALFUNCTION AT

LONDON 2012 PARADE > I’ve spent a lot of Christmases away, so I value being with family > and friends. >  > Helen Skelton WILL YOU MAKE YOUR HOUSE INTO SANTA’S GROTTO? I’ve got

white decorations for one room and gold for another. We bought Santa trousers as wine coolers, which is a bit tacky, and a big Santa Stop Here sign.   HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE YOUR FIRST

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON DECEMBER 22?  I thought we’d be going to a swanky bar, but my mum has planned a big family bowling get-together. I love married life. I don’t think I would have left

Blue Peter if it hadn’t been for Richie, and I wouldn’t have written books – he encourages me to do things.  WHAT PRESENTS ARE YOU HOPING FOR?  My mum is brilliant at buying presents. I told

her I’d seen a suede jacket I loved and I know she’s found one. My brother, sister-in-law, Richie and I have decided instead of presents we’re going to book a great night out in Manchester.

  WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? Presenting the Olympics parade in London when my skirt flew up and I flashed my knickers at Sir Chris Hoy. I pulled down my skirt

and when the Prime Minister came onstage he said, “Well handled, Helen.”   _OPERATION MEET THE STREET AIRS FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AT 9.15AM ON BBC1. HELEN APPEARS IN FRIDAY’S EPISODE._