Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins has taken on a rather unique challenge – her latest gig is all about lulling listeners into a state of slumber. "It's the one show I do where I'm pleased if my listeners are snoozing," she shared with a laugh during a recent chat. "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." The 49 year old presenter, speaking to OK!, clarified that the sleepy audience she aims to please are actually animals.
She's set to co-host Classic FM's Pet Classics shows on November 2 and November 5 from 5pm to 9pm, alongside radio DJ Dan Walker. The duo will be spinning tranquil classical tunes to soothe pets during the noisy firework season. "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," said Charlotte, who is collaborating with the RSPCA for the initiative.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star and current Royal presenter has opened up about her love for classical music and its calming effects on animals. "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," she explained.
Although not currently a dog owner, Charlotte fondly remembers her terrier cross Bailey, "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," she said with a smile. With Bonfire Night approaching, Charlotte shared her mixed feelings about fireworks: "Fireworks can bring a lot of joy to people, especially organised displays which see a community come together," she acknowledged, but also recognized the distress they cause to pets, suggesting, "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."
Her passion is evident, and it's clear she loves her job. Having started as a newsreader for ITN in 1999, Charlotte has become one of the UK's most familiar Royal presenters, covering major events like the Olympics and the Oscars, and interviewing celebrities such as 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."
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, Mark Herbert. "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, who joined the news panel in 2014, shared: "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. 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 hectic schedule, it's no surprise that GMB hosts find it hard to get together. Now, as their co-host Kate Garraway faces her first Christmas without her husband Derek Draper, who tragically passed away in January after a three-year battle with Covid-19, Charlotte reassures that they'll all be there to support her and that Kate is "surrounded by love". She had previously told OK! that while Kate was "going through a really tough time" she knew they "we’re all there to support her".
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