Ellie Costello has become a familiar face to many viewers who start their mornings with British television news. Appearing live on GB News during weekday mornings, she guides audiences through the day’s biggest stories with a calm and confident presence. Working in live broadcasting requires more than simply reading headlines. It demands quick thinking, emotional control, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt when events unfold in real time.
Although she is increasingly recognised by viewers, Ellie Costello is not a celebrity in the traditional sense. She is a journalist whose reputation has been built through years of reporting, live coverage, and connecting with audiences through television. Her journey reflects the dedication, training, and persistence required to build a successful career in modern journalism.
From her early days working behind the scenes in newsrooms to becoming one of the presenters on GB News Breakfast, Costello’s career has developed through a combination of field reporting experience and studio broadcasting. Along the way, she has covered major national events, interviewed guests, and shared stories that highlight the human side of the news.
Early Life and Background
Ellie Costello was raised in Essex, England, where she spent much of her early life. The county, located in the southeast of England, has a strong connection to British culture and has produced many notable public figures. For Costello, Essex remained an important part of her identity and shaped her understanding of everyday life and the communities she would later report on.
Unlike many public figures, Costello has chosen to keep details about her family and personal background private. Information about her parents, childhood experiences, and siblings has largely remained away from public attention. This separation between personal and professional life is common among journalists who prefer to let their work define them.
Her journey into journalism was not built through family connections or an existing media background. Instead, she followed the traditional route many reporters take: education, practical training, newsroom experience, and years of developing her skills through real-world reporting.
Education and Early Career Goals
Costello’s interest in communication and storytelling began during her academic years. She studied English Literature at the University of Southampton, a degree that helped develop her skills in writing, analysis, and understanding human experiences through stories.
While an English Literature degree does not directly train someone to become a journalist, it provides valuable skills that are essential in the media industry. The ability to analyse information, communicate clearly, and understand different perspectives forms a strong foundation for reporting.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Costello continued her education at City, University of London, where she earned a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. The programme is recognised as one of the leading journalism courses in the UK and focuses on the practical skills needed for careers in television, radio, and digital media.
During her training, she learned key elements of broadcasting, including reporting techniques, media law, ethics, live production, and working under strict deadlines. These skills prepared her for the fast-paced environment of professional journalism.
Her decision to specialise in broadcast journalism showed a clear ambition to work in television news. The industry is highly competitive, and building a successful career requires determination, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Beginning Her Journalism Career at the BBC
Ellie Costello began her professional career at the BBC World Service, one of the world’s most respected international broadcasters. The organisation is known for its focus on accuracy, impartial reporting, and delivering reliable news to audiences around the globe.
Starting at the BBC gave Costello valuable experience in a demanding editorial environment. Journalists working for the World Service must often explain complex international issues clearly while maintaining accuracy and balance.
This early experience helped shape Costello’s approach to journalism. Rather than focusing only on delivering information, she developed an understanding of how important context, clarity, and human connection are when telling a story.
Following her time at the BBC World Service, Costello joined the Victoria Derbyshire programme, a BBC current affairs show known for exploring important social issues and personal stories.
The move allowed her to expand her reporting style. Instead of only covering major news events, she became involved in stories focused on real people and their experiences. The programme’s emphasis on thoughtful interviews and deeper storytelling helped her develop a more human approach to journalism.
Developing Her Voice as a Reporter
During her time on the Victoria Derbyshire programme, Costello worked on a range of sensitive stories that required careful research and strong interviewing skills. She covered topics including online abuse, social media issues, and personal experiences shared by members of the public.
These types of reports require more than gathering facts. They involve building trust with interviewees, understanding emotional situations, and presenting stories responsibly.
This period became an important stage in Costello’s development as a journalist. She moved beyond simply reporting events and began exploring how news affects individuals and communities.
Her work eventually gained recognition within the BBC, where she was described as a “Rising Star” according to professional profiles. While such descriptions are informal, they reflected the growing attention her work was receiving within the broadcasting industry.
Joining GB News
In May 2021, Ellie Costello joined GB News as a South East reporter, becoming part of the team preparing for the channel’s launch. The move marked a significant new chapter in her career, taking her from established BBC newsrooms into a new broadcasting environment.
GB News entered the UK media landscape as a new challenger channel, aiming to provide an alternative approach to television news. For journalists joining a newly launched network, the experience can be both exciting and demanding. They have the opportunity to grow alongside the organisation, but they also work under increased public attention as every editorial decision is closely observed.
As a regional reporter, Costello spent much of her early time covering stories across the southeast of England. The role required her to work from the field, report live from developing situations, and gather information directly from communities.
These early years at GB News strengthened her reputation as a journalist who could handle live reporting and deliver stories from the ground. The experience also helped prepare her for the transition from reporter to presenter.
Transitioning Into Television Presenting
Over time, Ellie Costello moved from field reporting into more prominent presenting roles at GB News. Her background as a reporter became one of her biggest strengths when working in the studio because she understood how stories developed beyond the headlines.
Presenting a live news programme requires a different set of skills from reporting. Breakfast television, in particular, demands flexibility. Hosts must move quickly between serious breaking news, interviews, discussions, and lighter conversations while maintaining a natural connection with viewers.
Costello became a regular presenter on GB News Breakfast, eventually taking on a weekday presenting role. Working alongside experienced broadcasters such as Eamonn Holmes and Stephen Dixon placed her among a group of presenters combining traditional journalism experience with the changing expectations of modern television.
Her style has been recognised for being composed, clear, and focused on conversation. Rather than relying on dramatic presentation, she tends to approach interviews by allowing guests to explain their perspectives while guiding discussions effectively.
Covering Major National Stories
Although Costello has become known as a television presenter, her career remains strongly connected to reporting. Some of her most significant professional moments have come from covering major events as they happened.
One of the defining moments of her reporting career was covering the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Costello reported from outside Windsor Castle as the country responded to the news, providing live updates during a historic moment for the United Kingdom.
She also reported on the murder of MP Sir David Amess, a tragedy that had a significant impact across the country. The incident was particularly meaningful because it happened in Essex, the region she had covered as a reporter.
Reporting on traumatic events requires sensitivity, accuracy, and emotional awareness. Journalists must provide information to the public while respecting those directly affected by difficult circumstances.
Throughout her career, Costello has also covered court cases, political developments, protests, and community stories. These experiences have helped establish her credibility as a journalist who understands both breaking news and long-form reporting.
Ellie Costello’s Experience With Stalking
One of the most personal challenges Ellie Costello has spoken publicly about was her experience with stalking. She revealed that she was targeted by a man she had never met, with the behaviour continuing for approximately 16 months.
The situation reportedly began after a professional interaction through Zoom. What started as unwanted online communication eventually developed into more serious behaviour, including unwanted messages, gifts, and appearances connected to her workplace.
Costello later described the experience as frightening and emotionally exhausting. The situation affected her sense of safety and highlighted the risks public figures can face when their professional lives are visible to strangers.
The individual responsible was later convicted and received a suspended sentence along with a restraining order.
By speaking about her experience, Costello helped raise awareness about stalking and the importance of recognising warning signs early. Her decision to share her story also reflected a wider conversation about the challenges faced by journalists and public-facing professionals in the digital age.
Many people, particularly women working in visible roles, connected with her experience. Her story highlighted how online access can sometimes blur the boundaries between professional interaction and personal intrusion.
Personal Life and Marriage
Ellie Costello married Gerard Durkan in April 2025 at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London. The couple had announced their engagement in 2023 before celebrating their wedding with close family and friends.
Despite growing public interest in her personal life, Costello has maintained a relatively private approach to her relationship. She has chosen not to share extensive details publicly, preferring to keep the focus on her journalism career.
This approach reflects the way many journalists manage their public image. Unlike entertainers whose careers often depend on sharing personal moments with audiences, journalists typically maintain a stronger separation between their professional and private lives.
Costello’s approach has remained consistent: she discusses important issues connected to her work while keeping personal matters away from unnecessary public attention.
Public Image and Media Reputation
Ellie Costello’s reputation has largely been built around her work as a broadcaster. Viewers recognise her for her calm presentation style, clear communication, and ability to handle live television.
Her role at GB News places her within a wider discussion about the changing landscape of British broadcasting. The channel has attracted both loyal viewers and criticism, with presenters often becoming part of wider conversations about journalism, media standards, and political coverage.
However, Costello herself is generally recognised more for her professionalism than controversy. She is not primarily known for creating debate through personal opinions but rather for facilitating discussions, interviewing guests, and delivering news stories.
Her background as a reporter remains an important part of her identity as a presenter. She brings the experience of someone who has worked outside the studio and understands the challenges of gathering news firsthand.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
There is no officially confirmed information about Ellie Costello’s net worth or exact salary. Various estimates may appear online, but these figures are usually based on speculation rather than verified financial information.
As a national television presenter and journalist, her earnings are likely influenced by factors such as experience, broadcasting responsibilities, and contractual agreements. Salaries within television journalism can vary significantly depending on the role and level of seniority.
While exact figures remain private, her career progression suggests she has achieved a stable position within the UK broadcasting industry.
Ellie Costello Today
As of 2026, Ellie Costello continues to work as a presenter on GB News Breakfast, appearing regularly on weekday mornings. Her role involves presenting live news, interviewing guests, covering breaking stories, and engaging with viewers.
Her career reflects the changing expectations of modern broadcasters. Today’s television journalists are often expected to do more than one role. They must be able to report from the field, present live programmes, communicate digitally, and connect with audiences across different platforms.
Costello’s journey from journalism student to national television presenter demonstrates how experience, training, and adaptability can build a lasting career in broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellie Costello
What does Ellie Costello do?
Ellie Costello is a British journalist and television presenter best known for her work with GB News. She began her career at the BBC before moving into reporting and presenting roles at GB News.
Her work includes presenting live news programmes, interviewing guests, covering breaking stories, and reporting from the field. Her background in journalism allows her to combine studio presenting with first-hand reporting experience.
Is Ellie Costello married?
Yes, Ellie Costello is married to Gerard Durkan. The couple announced their engagement in 2023 and married in London in April 2025.
Although her wedding attracted public attention, Costello has continued to keep much of her personal life private. She generally focuses public discussions on her career and journalism rather than her relationship.
How old is Ellie Costello?
Ellie Costello was reported to be 31 years old in 2025. However, her exact date of birth has not been widely made public.
Like many journalists, she has kept certain personal details private and has chosen to be recognised primarily through her professional achievements.
What does Ellie Costello do at GB News?
Ellie Costello is a presenter on GB News Breakfast. Her responsibilities include hosting the morning programme, interviewing guests, discussing current affairs, and presenting the latest news updates.
Before becoming a presenter, she worked as a reporter for the channel, covering stories across the southeast of England. This reporting background continues to influence her approach to broadcasting.
What happened with Ellie Costello’s stalking case?
Ellie Costello revealed that she experienced stalking from a man she had never met, with the situation lasting around 16 months.
The unwanted contact reportedly began after a professional interaction and later escalated into repeated messages, unwanted items being sent, and appearances connected to her work.
The individual responsible was later convicted and received legal restrictions, including a restraining order. Costello shared her experience publicly to raise awareness about stalking and encourage people to take such situations seriously.
What is Ellie Costello’s net worth?
Ellie Costello’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. Online estimates exist, but these figures are not officially verified.
As a successful television presenter and journalist working for a national broadcaster, she has built a strong professional career, although her personal financial details remain private.
Conclusion: Ellie Costello’s Journey in Journalism
Ellie Costello’s career represents the traditional path of modern broadcast journalism: education, newsroom experience, field reporting, and eventually becoming a recognisable television presenter.
From studying English Literature and broadcast journalism to working at the BBC and later joining GB News, her journey has been built on developing practical skills and gaining experience in demanding news environments.
While many viewers know her today as a presenter on GB News Breakfast, her foundation as a reporter remains central to her professional identity. Her experience covering major national events, interviewing people during difficult moments, and working directly from the field has shaped the way she approaches broadcasting.
Beyond her professional achievements, Costello’s public experiences, including speaking openly about stalking, have highlighted the challenges faced by journalists and public figures in today’s digital world.
Her career also reflects how the role of a broadcaster continues to evolve. Modern journalists are no longer limited to one role. They are expected to report, present, interview, analyse, and connect with audiences across multiple platforms.
Ellie Costello’s rise from a journalism graduate in Essex to a national television presenter shows the importance of persistence, adaptability, and credibility. As broadcasting continues to change, her career represents the new generation of journalists who combine traditional reporting skills with the demands of modern media.
