'You should keep challenging yourself'

Presenter Charlotte Hawkins on early mornings, being part of the GMB dream team and working with musical maestro André Rieu

- EVE MACDONALD

Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins has spent most of her adult life on breakfast TV — being the bright and bubbly person who delivers the news while the nation is waking up. But in an exclusive chat with OK! we’re keen to get to know the person behind the camera.

Charlotte — who was born in Chichester — began her impressive career when she secured a role as a newsreader for ITN in 1999. And 25 years later she’s one of the best known royal presenters in the UK, has appeared in a Hollywood film alongside Bradley Cooper and is working with violinist André Rieu on a new tour.

“I’ll look back on these days and know it was such a privilege,” she smiles, when we catch up for a chat.

Away from the spotlight, however, the 49-year-old loves nothing more than spending time with her family — her husband Mark Herbert, who she tied the knot with in 2008, and her nine-year-old daughter Ella Rose.

“She’s already like a mini teenager. I’m getting an insight into what those years will be like,” she laughs.

Here, Charlotte chats about GMB, defying ageing stereotypes and why she’d never renew her vows…

Hi, Charlotte! Firstly, is it true you wake up at 2.45am for work?

That’s when my alarm goes off to make sure I get to Good Morning Britain in time [laughs]. Some days are difficult but I just try to get on with it. I’ve been doing breakfast TV for almost 17 years now, so my routine is get in the car and start reading the papers. My work prep starts right away, but the first thing I do when I get to the studios is make a cup of tea. The adrenaline gets you through — and hair and make-up definitely helps!

It gives you the rest of the day to yourself...