Inside Steph McGovern's life off-screen from show cancellation to ...

Steph McGovern is a beloved TV presenter, best known for hosting Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch and BBC Breakfast.

The star has recently ditched the microphone for a backpack, as she appears in Netflix's latest survival challenge, Celebrity Bear Hunt.

The new series, available to stream now, sees a group of famous faces go up against renowned adventurer Bear Grylls. Left stranded in the Costa Rican jungle, the group must evade capture through a series of difficult tasks.

Steph got caught up in a terrifying incident while filming the show, which saw her hit her face off a sharp cliff edge. Medics quickly flocked to help her as she hung from her harness, with blood dripping off her face.

As Steph puts herself to the test in Costa Rica, here's everything you need to know about the beloved TV presenter.

Childhood

Steph was born in 1982 in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, but grew up in Middlesbrough. Her father, Eamonn, is a professional artist.

Following her dad's creative footsteps, Steph won an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship during sixth form - where she studied maths, physics, design technology and business studies.

After winning a Young Engineer for Britain award, Steph took a gap year in the industry before studying mechanical engineering at Imperial College London.

She later attended University College London, where she received a science communication and policy degree. In 2013, Teesside University awarded her an honorary doctorate.

As well as various degrees, Steph also boasts an impressive skill in Irish dancing. The former champion has attended various international competitions, where she helps to coach up-and-coming dancers.

Career

Steph first worked at the BBC, doing work experience on the Tomorrow's World programme. She then became a producer for Radio Four's Today programme.

The TV star has also appeared on Shop Well for Less, Made in Great Britain, BBC Watchdog, The Masked Dancer, and Have I Got News for You.

In 2020, Steph landed her own daytime show with Channel 4. Steph's Packed Lunch, broadcast from Leeds Dock, featured celebrity guests, cooking, lifestyle, and news segments.

The show was cancelled in 2023 after the broadcaster had to make "difficult decisions" because audience habits were "changing quicker than ever".

In a statement, Steph expressed her pride in the show's achievements while on air and thanked the crew and viewers for their dedication and support.

At the end of the final episode, Steph said: "I’m not gonna waffle on because I can’t say anything emotional without doing that ugly crying. But thank you for watching, thank you for everyone who’s been on the show.

"I’ve loved it, and I am glad you have to. That is all from us here in Leeds. Look after yourselves, and goodbye!"

Family

Throughout her career, Steph has remained very private about her personal life, revealing only small details about her family.

Steph openly spoke about her sexuality on Suzi Ruffell's Out podcast in 2021.

"I've never officially come out," she explained, adding that she has dated both men and women.

"I didn't do this big thing of 'I am gay' like my mate Reg did... I just kind of go with the flow of things, and I did not really overthink it."

On why she keeps her family life private, Steph continued: "It's not like I'm ashamed of anything in my life. It's more a case of I'm trying to lead as normal a life as I can.

"I just want to do my job, and I know that my job comes under scrutiny and profile. I just think that the less I talk about my private life, the less I can be asked about it."

The TV star is currently in a long-term relationship, but the identity of her girlfriend has remained under wraps.

Steph and her partner live in Yorkshire with their daughter, who they welcomed in 2019. While her girlfriend has never appeared on social media, Steph has previously shared glimpses of her daughter online, ensuring her face is hidden from view.

Celebrity Bear Hunt is available to stream on Netflix