BBC broadcaster Vick Hope has opened up about the tough lessons she learned early in her career after taking on “every job under the sun”.
The presenter, now 35 and co-host of BBC Radio 1’s drivetime show Going Home with Vick, Katie and Jamie, alongside Katie Thistleton and Jamie Laing, joined Countryfile this March.
In a frank discussion, she revealed that during her career’s infancy, she likely faced burnout due to her inability to turn down work.
Vick, who tied the knot with DJ Calvin Harris, shared how being “overwhelmed” led to her collapsing from exhaustion. “I didn’t know the word ‘no’.
“I think in 2018, I took three days off – including weekends – the whole year. I was getting up at 4am every day [for the Capital Breakfast show, alongside Roman Kemp].
“I got to a point where I hadn’t seen my family for so long,” she disclosed to the Independent.
She elaborated: “It was a matter of course that I cancelled family holidays, going up to Newcastle, missed weddings… because I had to work all the time.”
Reflecting on those times, the BBC presenter, who was around 27 then, acknowledged she had pushed herself too far, reports the Express.
She recounted: “I remember collapsing. I was with my mum and I was like, wow, I don’t think I can move. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. She was like, you’ve exhausted yourself. She asked, ‘What are you chasing?'”.
Vick is finding a better work-life balance these days, enjoying nature walks and regular therapy sessions.
The Radio 1 DJ and ex-Strictly contestant has been confirmed as the latest addition to the Countryfile presenting team, joining the likes of John Craven and Matt Baker.
“I am delighted to be joining the Countryfile team – spending time in nature has always been hugely important to me so the chance to learn ever more about the world around us from such beautifully diverse perspectives and such a passionate mix of people who live and breathe country life across the UK will be so special and enriching,” she expressed.
Countryfile is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
