Ellie Costello: The Rising Star of British Journalism and Education Advocate

Quick Bio

Introduction

Have you ever wondered who the fresh face is on your morning news screen? Meet Ellie Costello, one of Britain’s most exciting young journalists. She wakes up the nation every day on GB News. But there is so much more to her story than just reading the headlines.

Ellie Costello is not your average news presenter. She has built an impressive career from the ground up. She started at the BBC and now co-hosts a top-rated breakfast show. Her journey shows what hard work and talent can achieve.

What makes Ellie Costello truly special is her ability to connect with people. Whether she is interviewing politicians or sharing personal stories, she feels real and relatable. She brings warmth and honesty to everything she does.

Beyond the news desk, Ellie Costello is also a passionate education advocate. She fights for children who struggle in the school system. She wrote a book about making schools more inclusive. She leads an organization that helps families in need.

In this article, we will explore the life and career of Ellie Costello. We will look at how she became a journalist. We will learn about her advocacy work. We will also discover what makes her one of the most inspiring media figures today.

So grab a cup of tea and get comfortable. Let us dive into the fascinating world of Ellie Costello.

Who Is Ellie Costello?

Ellie Costello is a British journalist and news anchor. She currently works for GB News. She co-hosts the GB News Breakfast Show. She is known for her sharp interviewing style and warm personality.

But Ellie Costello is more than just a TV face. She is an education advocate, an author, and a campaigner. She works to help children who struggle in school. She leads an organization called Square Peg. This group supports families whose children cannot attend school regularly.

Ellie Costello has a unique ability to balance two very different careers. By day, she interviews politicians and covers breaking news. By night, she campaigns for education reform. She brings the same passion and energy to both roles.

Many people know Ellie Costello from her work on GB News. But her journey to the top was not easy. She worked hard to get where she is today. She started as a radio reporter and worked her way up. Now she is one of the most recognizable faces on British television.

Ellie Costello is also a published author. She co-wrote a book called “Square Pegs”. The book helps schools become more inclusive. It offers practical advice for teachers and parents. This shows her commitment to making the world a better place.

Early Life and Education

Ellie Costello was born on November 23, 1993. She grew up in Essex, England. She attended Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School. She even served as Head Girl in her final year. She graduated from high school in 2012.

From a young age, Ellie Costello loved storytelling. She was always interested in current affairs. She wanted to understand the world around her. This curiosity would later shape her career in journalism.

After high school, Ellie Costello went to university. She studied English Literature at the University of Southampton. She graduated in 2016. But she did not stop there. She wanted to become a journalist. So she pursued a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London.

City University is one of the best journalism schools in the UK. Ellie Costello learned the skills she needed to succeed. She learned how to report, write, and present news. Her education laid a strong foundation for her career.

Ellie Costello is of Irish descent. She feels a strong connection to Irish culture. She loves Irish music and food. This cultural background adds to her rich and diverse identity.

Career Beginnings at the BBC

Ellie Costello started her journalism career at the BBC. This is where she learned the ropes of broadcast journalism. She worked as a broadcast journalist and radio reporter.

She produced several radio programmes. These included Outside Source, BBC Minute, and The Newsroom. These shows helped her develop her skills. She learned how to tell stories in a clear and engaging way.

Ellie Costello then moved to television. She became a Television News Reporter for the Victoria Derbyshire Programme. This was a big step in her career. She got to report on important stories and conduct investigations.

One of her most notable investigations looked at the British beauty industry. She exposed influencer exploitation. Her investigation became one of the most watched clips on the BBC website. This showed her talent for investigative journalism.

Ellie Costello also reported live for BBC World Service. This gave her international experience. She learned how to report on global issues. Her work at the BBC prepared her for bigger opportunities.

In 2020, Ellie Costello received a BBC “Rising Star” award. This recognition was a testament to her talent and hard work. It showed that she was one of the most promising young journalists in the industry.

Joining GB News

In 2021, Ellie Costello made a big career move. She joined GB News as a reporter for the South-East of England. This was a new channel with a fresh approach to news. It was the perfect place for her to grow.

Ellie Costello quickly made a name for herself at GB News. She challenged politicians on live TV. She covered high-profile breaking news stories. She showed that she was not afraid to ask tough questions.

She covered some of the biggest events in recent British history. She reported on the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. She covered the coronation of King Charles. She also reported on UK and US elections.

Ellie Costello also covered high-profile court cases. She reported on the trials of Boris Becker, Wayne Couzens, and Kevin Spacey. She even covered the infamous “Wagatha Christie” case. This showed her versatility as a journalist.

In 2024, Ellie Costello got a promotion. She became the weekday breakfast anchor on GB News. She now co-hosts the show five days a week. She works alongside Eamonn Holmes and Stephen Dixon.

The GB News Breakfast Show has won the TRIC Award for Best News Show three years in a row. Ellie Costello has been a key part of this success. Her energy and professionalism have made the show a viewer favourite.

Life as a Breakfast Anchor

Being a breakfast anchor is not easy. It means waking up very early. It means being prepared for anything. Ellie Costello handles this challenge with grace and professionalism.

Ellie Costello co-hosts the GB News Breakfast Show with Eamonn Holmes and Stephen Dixon. The trio has great chemistry on screen. They mix hard news with lively debate and banter.

One of the things viewers love about Ellie Costello is her authenticity. She is not afraid to be herself on air. She shares personal stories and admits when she makes mistakes. This makes her feel like a friend rather than just a news reader.

In January 2025, Ellie Costello made a confession on air. She admitted she was “ashamed” about something. Her co-host Eamonn Holmes offered supportive words. This moment showed the genuine friendship between them.

Ellie Costello also has a fun side. She once admitted she did not know where her car’s fog lights were. This sparked a reaction from viewers. It showed that even news anchors have their silly moments.

Despite the early mornings and long hours, Ellie Costello loves her job. She gets to inform and educate the public every day. She gets to ask important questions and hold power to account. For her, journalism is not just a job. It is a calling.

Personal Life and Wedding

Ellie Costello keeps much of her personal life private. But she has shared some special moments with her fans. One of the biggest was her engagement and wedding.

Ellie Costello announced her engagement in November 2023. She shared the news on social media. She posted a photo of her engagement ring. She was on holiday in Phuket, Thailand. She wrote: “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.”

On April 12, 2025, Ellie Costello married her partner Gerard Durkan. The wedding took place at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London. It was an intimate civil ceremony with close family and friends.

Ellie Costello wore a stunning white mini dress. It had long sleeves and buttons. She completed her look with a beaded headband and an all-white bouquet. Her co-stars from GB News were not invited. The couple wanted a small and private celebration.

But the celebrations did not end there. Three months later, the couple had a second wedding. They hosted a three-day affair at Chateau de Robernier. This is a historic 16th-century castle in Provence, France. Locals call it the “sleeping beauty castle”.

Ellie Costello and her husband went on a safari honeymoon in January 2026. She shared stunning photos from her trip. It looked like a dream getaway. The couple seems truly happy together.

Education Advocacy Work

Many people do not know that Ellie Costello is also a passionate education advocate. This work is very personal to her. She is a parent carer to two teenagers with additional needs.

Her children have faced barriers to school attendance. They have experienced trauma related to the education system. This experience inspired Ellie Costello to fight for change.

Ellie Costello is the Executive Director of Square Peg. This is a community interest company. It advocates for children who face barriers to education. The organization supports families who struggle with school attendance.

Square Peg was founded in 2019. Ellie Costello joined as a Director in 2020. She now runs the organization. Under her leadership, the group has grown significantly. It now has almost 40,000 members.

Ellie Costello gave evidence to the Education Select Committee in 2023. She spoke about the challenges families face. She called for a more compassionate education system. Her testimony was powerful and impactful.

She has also collaborated with broadcast news outlets. She has worked with BBC, ITN, and Sky News. She has appeared in documentaries like Panorama. She tells the stories of families struggling in the current system.

The Book “Square Pegs”

Ellie Costello co-authored a book called “Square Pegs”. She wrote it with Fran Morgan. The full title is “Square Pegs: Inclusivity, compassion and fitting in – a guide for schools”.

The book is a practical guide for schools. It helps them become more inclusive. It offers advice for teachers and school leaders. It shows how to support children who do not fit the traditional mould.

The book challenges the “one-size-fits-all” approach to education. It argues that schools should adapt to students. Not the other way around. This message has resonated with many parents and educators.

Ellie Costello’s personal experience informed the book. She knows what it is like to have children who struggle in school. She has lived the challenges that other parents face. This gives her writing authenticity and depth.

The book has been critically acclaimed. It has been praised for its compassion and practical advice. It has helped start important conversations about education reform.

Ellie Costello also speaks at conferences and events. She shares her message with a wider audience. She is a passionate and engaging speaker. She inspires others to join the fight for better education.

Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

Ellie Costello has faced many challenges in her life. She has been open about some of these struggles. Her honesty has made her more relatable to her audience.

One of the biggest challenges was her children’s health issues. Her son was born with a rare condition. It left him in chronic pain. He became mentally unstable while still in primary school.

Both of her children became school refusers. They were diagnosed with developmental trauma. This is a label normally seen in children who are abused or neglected. Ellie Costello called it a “tough freaking label”.

She also faced pressure from the education system. She was threatened with fines for her children’s non-attendance. She felt blamed for problems that were beyond her control.

Ellie Costello also experienced a terrifying stalking incident. A man who appeared on her show as a guest stalked her for over a year. He was given a restraining order and a suspended jail sentence.

In 2021, Ellie Costello was involved in a car crash. She suffered whiplash and back injuries. She had to take time off work to recover.

Despite all these challenges, Ellie Costello has persevered. She has turned her pain into purpose. She uses her platform to help others who face similar struggles. This is what makes her truly inspiring.

Awards and Recognition

Ellie Costello’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She has received several awards and honours. These recognise her talent and contributions to journalism.

In 2020, Ellie Costello received a BBC “Rising Star” award. This was a big honour early in her career. It showed that she was one to watch in the industry.

The GB News Breakfast Show has won the TRIC Award for Best News Show three times. Ellie Costello has been a key part of this success. Her work has helped the show become a viewer favourite.

Ellie Costello has also been recognised for her advocacy work. She serves as Parliamentary Vice Co-Chair for the Council for Disabled Children’s Special Education Consortium. This is a prestigious position that shows her expertise.

She has also been invited to speak at major events. She has spoken at the City of London Wealth Management Summit. She has also spoken at the Lighthouse Construction Awards.

Ellie Costello’s book “Square Pegs” has also received critical acclaim. It has been praised for its compassionate and practical approach. It has helped start important conversations about education reform.

What’s Next for Ellie Costello?

Ellie Costello shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to grow her career and influence. The future looks bright for this talented journalist.

Ellie Costello continues to co-host the GB News Breakfast Show. The show remains popular with viewers. She is a key part of its success. She will likely continue in this role for the foreseeable future.

She also continues her advocacy work. She remains Executive Director of Square Peg. She continues to campaign for education reform. She is committed to making schools more inclusive.

Ellie Costello may write more books in the future. Her first book was a success. She has more stories to tell and more advice to share. Fans would love to see another book from her.

She may also take on new speaking engagements. She is a popular speaker at conferences and events. Her passion and expertise make her a compelling presenter.

Whatever Ellie Costello does next, her fans will be watching. She has built a loyal following. People admire her authenticity, talent, and compassion. She is a true role model for aspiring journalists and advocates.

Conclusion

Ellie Costello is so much more than a news anchor. She is a journalist, author, advocate, and inspiration. Her journey from BBC reporter to GB News star is remarkable. Her advocacy work shows her deep commitment to helping others.

What makes Ellie Costello special is her authenticity. She is not afraid to be herself. She shares her struggles and her successes. This makes her feel real and relatable.

Ellie Costello has faced many challenges. Her children’s health issues. The stalking incident. The car crash. But she has never given up. She has turned her pain into purpose. She uses her platform to help others.

Ellie Costello is also a passionate education advocate. She fights for children who struggle in school. She wrote a book about making schools more inclusive. She leads an organization that supports families in need.

As we look to the future, Ellie Costello will continue to inspire. She will keep informing the public on GB News. She will keep fighting for education reform. She will keep being a voice for the voiceless.

If you want to learn more about Ellie Costello, follow her on social media. Watch her on GB News. Read her book “Square Pegs”. Join her in the fight for a more compassionate world.

Ellie Costello is a true force for good. She is a reminder that one person can make a difference. And that is something worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Ellie Costello?

Ellie Costello is a British journalist and news anchor. She co-hosts the GB News Breakfast Show. She is also an education advocate and author. She leads an organization called Square Peg that supports children who face barriers to education.

How old is Ellie Costello?

Ellie Costello was born on November 23, 1993. As of 2026, she is 32 years old.

Is Ellie Costello married?

Yes, Ellie Costello married her partner Gerard Durkan on April 12, 2025. The couple had an intimate ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London. They also had a second celebration at a castle in France.

What is Ellie Costello’s educational background?

Ellie Costello studied English Literature at the University of Southampton. She graduated in 2016. She then completed a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London.

What book has Ellie Costello written?

Ellie Costello co-authored “Square Pegs: Inclusivity, compassion and fitting in – a guide for schools” with Fran Morgan. The book offers practical advice for making schools more inclusive.

What is Square Peg and what does Ellie Costello do there?

Square Peg is a community interest company that advocates for children facing barriers to education. Ellie Costello is the Executive Director. She works to raise awareness and effect change on behalf of these children.