GMB’s Charlotte Hawkins’ message to co-star Kate Garraway ahead of first Christmas without Derek
Being a TV presenter comes with responsibility – you have to keep the audience engaged, viewer ratings high and have bucket loads of entertaining stories to hand. But for Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins, the goal of her latest project is actually to send listeners to sleep.
“It’s the one show I do where I’m pleased if my listeners are snoozing,” she laughs when we catch up over the phone. “The goal is to make sure they’re happy and relaxed – but I’d be very upset if people told me Good Morning Britain was sending them to sleep.”
Thankfully, as the 49-year-old explains to OK!, the listeners that she’s referring to in fact are animals, who she hopes will be able to catch a few Zs during this firework season. Charlotte, alongside radio DJ Dan Walker, is hosting one of Classic FM’s Pet Classics – one on Saturday November 2 and the other on Tuesday November 5, between 5pm and 9pm – and will be playing some soothing.
Classical music to help calm the nerves of our favourite furry (or scaly) companions.
“This is my fourth year hosting, it’s such a special programme to me because this time of year can be really stressful for animals. We always get people getting in touch to say how the music has helped their pets, which makes it all worthwhile. And it’s not just dogs, like you might think – classical music can help horses, cows, donkeys, sheep, parrots, rabbits… the list goes on,” Charlotte, who has teamed up with RSPCA, explains.
“I’m obviously a big fan of classical music anyway but there’s been reports that it has a huge calming influence in stressful environments for animals.”
Although not a dog owner herself (“We sadly lost our terrier cross Bailey last year who was such a treasured member of our family – but we’re hoping to rescue another soon,” Charlotte smiles when we ask), the former Strictly Come Dancing star has always been a huge fan of pets. And it’s this love for furry friends that puts her on the fence this Bonfire Night.
Charlotte hawkins holding dog
“Fireworks can bring a lot of joy to people, especially organised displays which see a community come together,” the mum of one says when we prod if she thinks fireworks should be banned completely. “But they can also be really scary for animals. I think with technology these days, we should be able to see beautiful fireworks without any loud booms or bangs.”
Charlotte’s passion for everything she turns her hand to is rather infectious – but it helps finding a job you love.
The TV star, who began her impressive career when she secured a role as a newsreader for ITN in 1999, is still finding joy in her career. In fact, 25 years later she’s one of the best known royal presenters in the UK and, as well as attending major events such as the Olympics and the Oscars, she has also interviewed major names, including Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Paul McCartney and David Beckham.
“It’s massively important [finding a job you love] and I’m lucky in that respect.
I love that I get to bring the news to people on GMB every day, and also work on other causes I’m involved with. I’m starting a podcast with Dogs Trust which gives tips to those who have dogs with behavioural issues, I’m a patron for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and I’ve worked with André Rieu. It’s important to feel that I’m making a difference at the same time as working.”
Charlotte and daughter
Her unwavering drive and determination is a trait she hopes to pass onto her nine-year-old daughter Ella Rose, who she shares with husband of 16-years,
“I want the same for Ella Rose. When I look at some people and they hate their job, I genuinely feel sorry for them. Work takes up so much of our lives that we deserve to be happy at it. Honestly, even if I won the lottery, I’d still do what I do – don’t tell my boss that though,” she laughs. “I really hope for Ella Rose that she can find that thing in her life that she will love as much as I do.”
Having a great relationship with her colleagues, Charlotte acknowledges, is a key ingredient in that all important world of work. And thankfully for the radio presenter, her GMB co-stars are always there for one another.
Charlotte is supporting Kate Garraway this Christmas
“The sad thing is though we all work at different times so the rare time we’re all in the same room together is usually at events,” Charlotte, who joined the news panel in 2014, explains. “We all attended the Pride of Britain Awards together which was lovely.
It gave us a chance for a proper a catch up. The one thing I really love about the show is the mix of people, there are so many different personalities and everyone brings something different. I have so much respect for my colleagues, I genuinely love working with them.”
With such a busy work schedule, it’s no wonder GMB hosts struggle to find the time to catch up.
Now, as their fellow presenter Kate Garraway who lost her husband of 19 years, Derek Draper, in January following a devastating three year battle with Covid-19, faces her first Christmas without him, Charlotte reassures they’ll all be there to support her” and that Kate is “surrounded by love”. The TV star previously told OK! that while Kate was “going through a really tough time” she knew they “we’re all there to support her”.
