If you’ve been watching GB News lately, chances are you’ve come across the poised and engaging Ellie Costello. Whether she’s anchoring breaking news or conducting a sharp political interview, this British journalist has built a reputation for being one of the most trusted faces in UK broadcasting. From her early days at the BBC World Service to co-hosting the GB News Breakfast Show, Ellie’s career is nothing short of impressive. And beyond the screen, people are naturally curious — about her age, her husband, her parents, and even whether her hair is real.

This article covers everything you need to know about Ellie Costello, the woman behind the microphone.

Ellie Costello: Professional Profile Summary

Key Biographical Highlights

• Broadcasting Career: Ellie Costello rose to prominence through her work with the BBC, notably as a reporter and producer for the Victoria Derbyshire programme, where she gained acclaim for her investigative journalism. She joined GB News in 2021 ahead of the channel’s official launch and has since become a central figure in their breakfast programming.
• Education: She holds a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from City, University of London, providing her with the professional training that underpins her reporting style.
• Personal Life: Ellie married Gerard Durkan in a ceremony held at Chelsea Old Town Hall on April 12, 2025.
• Distinctions: Beyond her media career, Ellie has been recognized for her advocacy work. In 2026, she received a Leaders for Big Change grant for “Square Peg,” an initiative she leads to address school non-attendance issues.

Note: Please be aware that there is another public figure named Ellie Costello who is an education campaigner and social innovator. Ensure that your content distinguishes between the GB News presenter and the advocate for school attendance.

Who Is Ellie Costello?

Ellie Costello is a British journalist and television presenter best known for her work with GB News. She has earned a reputation for her calm, professional, and balanced reporting style — whether handling fast-moving breaking news or sitting down for in-depth guest interviews. She’s become one of the most recognisable faces in British broadcast journalism today, and public interest in her life and career continues to grow steadily.

If you’ve typed “Ellie Costello Wikipedia” into a search bar, you’re certainly not alone. Many viewers are eager to learn more about the woman they see on their screens every morning.

Ellie Costello Age: How Old Is She?

So, how old is Ellie Costello? She was born on 20 November 1993 in Essex, United Kingdom, which makes her 31 years old as of 2025. Despite being one of the younger faces on national television, she brings a level of maturity and gravitas to her presenting that belies her age. Her youth, combined with years of real-world journalism experience, has made her one of the most admired female anchors in British broadcasting today.

Early Life and Family: Ellie Costello’s Parents

When it comes to her personal background, Ellie Costello has always been fairly private about her family life — and that includes details about her parents. There is no verified public information about her mother or father’s names. What is known is that she grew up in Essex, where she was raised in an environment that clearly encouraged education and communication from an early age.

While Ellie Costello’s parents haven’t been publicly named or interviewed, it’s evident from her drive and discipline that she came from a supportive, grounded household. Her early leadership qualities — she served as Head Girl at Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School between 2011 and 2012 — suggest a strong foundation built at home.

Education: The Making of a Broadcast Journalist

Ellie pursued her passion for journalism at university level with real dedication. She earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Southampton, giving her a strong foundation in critical thinking and storytelling. She then went on to complete a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London — one of the UK’s most respected institutions for media training. This postgraduate qualification sharpened her skills in news production, on-camera delivery, and editorial judgement, preparing her for the demanding world of live television.

Career Timeline: From BBC to GB News

Starting Out at the BBC World Service

Ellie Costello began her journalism career at the BBC World Service, where she worked as a radio reporter and producer across multiple flagship programmes, including Outside Source, The Newsroom, and BBC Minute. It was here that her natural storytelling ability first caught attention, and she quickly moved up to more prominent roles. This experience gave her a solid grounding in international news and broadcast production that would serve her throughout her career.

Victoria Derbyshire Programme: Where She Made Her Name

Before becoming a household name at GB News, Ellie Costello made a significant mark at the BAFTA award-winning Victoria Derbyshire Programme. Her exclusive investigations — particularly into bullying within the British beauty industry and influencers being solicited for sex — were among the most watched stories in the programme’s history. These powerful reports earned her a shortlisting for the BBC Rising Star award in 2020, a remarkable recognition of her talent and commitment to impactful journalism.

Joining GB News: A Bold New Chapter

In May 2021, Ellie Costello joined GB News as their South-East England reporter — even before the channel officially launched. From covering regional stories to fronting national broadcasts, her role evolved rapidly. She became a regular presenter on the Weekend Breakfast show alongside Stephen Dixon and, since December 2024, has co-hosted the weekday GB News Breakfast Show alongside both Eamonn Holmes and Stephen Dixon. The show has gone on to win TRIC Awards on three separate occasions — a testament to both the programme and its presenters.

Ellie Costello’s Reporting Style and Journalism Philosophy

One of the things that sets Ellie Costello apart from many of her peers is her genuine passion for the craft. She has described journalism as something that was never a surprise to anyone who knew her — she’s naturally curious, a born storyteller, and someone who has always asked questions. Whether she’s interviewing senior politicians, celebrities, or members of the public, her aim is always to dig deeper and find the story beneath the surface.

She is a strong multimedia journalist, with experience across TV, digital, and radio — making her one of the more versatile presenters in GB News’s line-up.

Is Ellie Costello Married? Meet Her Husband

Yes — Ellie Costello is now a married woman, and the story of how she got there is rather lovely. Ellie Costello’s fiancé was Gerard Durkan, who proposed to her in Phuket, Thailand. She announced her engagement in November 2023 with a heartfelt social media post that read: “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.”

Who is Ellie Costello engaged to, many fans asked at the time. The answer was Gerard Durkan — a London-based professional with ties to the construction industry, someone who has largely stayed out of the public eye despite being linked to such a prominent media figure.

So is Ellie Costello married? As of April 2025, yes she is! Ellie Costello’s wedding took place on 12 April 2025 at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London — a stunning historic venue in the Royal Borough. Ellie wore a chic long-sleeved white mini dress complemented by a beaded headband and an all-white bouquet. The couple was surrounded by family, friends, and close colleagues. The celebrations reportedly continued with a three-day event at a 16th-century château in France. Ellie Costello husband, Gerard Durkan, comes from a family with roots in London’s construction industry — a very different world from TV news, which perhaps makes for a wonderful balance in their life together.

Is Ellie Costello’s Hair Real?

This is, believe it or not, one of the most searched questions about her online — and it’s a fair one. Television presenters often have access to professional styling, extensions, and lighting that can dramatically alter how their hair appears on screen. In Ellie Costello’s case, there is absolutely no credible evidence to suggest her hair is anything other than her own. Her polished on-screen look is the result of expert professional styling and the high production standards at GB News. She has even posted about actively growing her hair out on social media, which rather puts the question to rest. So yes — her hair appears to be very much real, beautifully styled by a professional team before each broadcast.

Ellie Costello’s Net Worth

Ellie Costello’s net worth is a topic of curiosity among fans, and while no official figures have been disclosed, estimates based on her career trajectory and broadcasting salary suggest her net worth falls somewhere in the range of £600,000 to £900,000 as of 2025–2026. Her primary income comes from her role as a national presenter and anchor at GB News, with additional potential income from other media engagements over the years. It’s an impressive figure for someone still in their early thirties — and one that’s likely to continue growing as her profile rises.

Notable Achievements at a Glance

Ellie Costello’s career has been marked by several standout moments. She was shortlisted for BBC Rising Star in 2020 for her investigative work on the Victoria Derbyshire Programme. She joined GB News before its launch, helping to build the channel’s identity from the ground up. She has anchored major live events including the UK General Election coverage in 2024, the US Election in 2024, and most recently, the live coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral in 2025. She is also a co-host of the three-time TRIC Award-Winning GB News Breakfast programme.

Public Image: Substance Over Spectacle

What makes Ellie Costello stand out in a media landscape often dominated by noise and self-promotion is her quiet confidence. She doesn’t chase the spotlight for its own sake. Her use of social media is restrained, her personal disclosures are limited, and her focus remains firmly on the journalism. This approach has earned her a reputation that many public figures struggle to build — one based on credibility rather than celebrity. She is widely seen as a serious journalist first and a television personality second, which is precisely why audiences trust her.

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