Ellie Costello: Partner, Career and GB News Facts

Not many journalists can say they started their career at the BBC World Service and later anchored a national breakfast show. Ellie Costello did both, and now as a breakfast anchor at GB News, she brings a mix of human-interest storytelling and live news coverage that has earned her a TRIC award.

Profession: Breakfast Anchor at GB News ·
Award: TRIC award-winning ·
Marital Status: Married to Gerard Durkan (July 2025) ·
Company: Director of Ellie Costello TV Ltd ·
Education: MA Broadcast Journalism, City University

Eight details, one pattern: Ellie Costello keeps her professional profile public while maintaining privacy on personal numbers.

Who is Ellie Costello’s partner?

Ellie Costello married Gerard Durkan in a London wedding in July 2025. The ceremony highlighted her Irish heritage, with the bride wearing a gown that paid homage to her roots (MSN). Durkan, whose professional background is not widely publicized, is described in the couple’s social media as a supportive partner. The pair appear to share a dog named Monty, though no official records confirm the pet’s details.

When did Ellie Costello get married?

The wedding took place in July 2025, as reported by multiple outlets (MSN). Ellie Costello herself shared a post on Instagram marking the occasion: “Celebrating our first anniversary today 🥹💒 thank you for the best photos” (Ellie Costello Instagram).

Does Ellie Costello have children?

There are no public reports indicating that Ellie Costello has children. Neither her social media nor professional biographies mention any offspring.

The implication: Costello uses social media to control her narrative, offering glimpses without surrendering privacy.

What did Ellie Costello do before GB News?

Ellie Costello’s path to GB News started at the BBC. After graduating with a Master’s in Broadcast Journalism from City University, she joined the BBC World Service — her first job out of university (GB News). She then moved to the Victoria Derbyshire Programme, where her investigations became some of the most watched clips in the programme’s history (TV Newsroom).

What is Ellie Costello’s current role?

Since January 2025 she has been the Breakfast Anchor at GB News, co-hosting the GB News Breakfast Show with Eamonn Holmes and Stephen Dixon (LinkedIn). The show has won multiple TRIC Awards (Becca Barr Management).

What other media has she worked for?

• BBC World Service – reporter (GB News)
• Victoria Derbyshire Programme – reporter (TV Newsroom)
• GB News – South-East reporter (May 2021) (The Media Eye)

Her career has included coverage of major national events: Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, King Charles III’s coronation, and both UK and US elections (Becca Barr Management). She also reported on high-profile trials including those of Boris Becker, Wayne Couzens, Kevin Spacey, and the Wagatha Christie case (Becca Barr Management).

What this means: Costello’s career trajectory shows a calculated risk that rewarded early commitment.

Is Ellie Costello Italian?

No. Ellie Costello is not Italian; she has Irish heritage. Her wedding in July 2025 prominently featured Irish elements, including a traditional Irish lace gown (MSN). She was born in Essex, according to multiple profiles (The Media Eye; TV Newsroom). Her surname is an anglicized version of the Irish Ó Coistealbha.

What is Ellie Costello’s ethnicity?

She identifies as having Irish heritage. Public records and interviews do not specify a mixed ethnic background.

Where was she born?

She was born in Essex, England, as noted in a 2021 profile by The Media Eye.

The pattern: Her Irish heritage is a central part of her public identity, celebrated in major life events.

What does Gerard Durkan do?

Gerard Durkan’s professional details are not publicly available. Ellie Costello has not disclosed his occupation in interviews or on social media. Some unverified reports suggest he works in the financial sector, but no official sources confirm this. The couple maintains a high degree of privacy around their personal lives.

How much does Ellie Costello get paid?

Ellie Costello’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed. GB News does not publish presenter compensation, and industry estimates for breakfast anchors on emerging channels vary widely. A reporter with her experience likely earns a competitive rate, but without official disclosure, any figure would be speculative.

What factors influence Ellie Costello’s salary?

Presenter salaries at GB News depend on experience, audience size, and contract negotiations. Costello’s TRIC award-winning show and dual role at BBC World Service suggest she commands a higher rate than junior reporters.

Is Ellie Costello’s salary public?

No.

The implication: Salary figures online are guesses; only the directorship is on the record.

Timeline of key events

• May 2021: Joins GB News as South-East reporter (The Media Eye)
• June 2023: Promoted to News Anchor (LinkedIn)
• January 2025: Becomes Breakfast Anchor (LinkedIn)
• July 2025: Marries Gerard Durkan (MSN)

The pattern: Each promotion came within two years, showing steady upward mobility.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

The catch: Despite public interest, Costello keeps personal metrics private, leaving a large gap in her full biography.

Perspectives from Ellie Costello and the media

Celebrating our first anniversary today 🥹💒 thank you for the best photos.

Ellie Costello, via Instagram

GB News’ Ellie Costello honours Irish heritage in wedding.

Headline from MSN

Her Instagram feed shows a mix of behind-the-scenes broadcast moments and personal snapshots, reinforcing her public role while guarding private details.

Summary

Ellie Costello has built a career defined by early bets and steady growth — from the BBC World Service to a daily national breakfast show. Her marriage to Gerard Durkan and her Irish heritage have become part of her public narrative, but she keeps the numbers (age, salary, children) to herself. For viewers who want to follow her work, the best sources are GB News and her verified social media. For those looking for a full biography, the gaps remain wide.

Frequently asked questions

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