Kate Silverton – From BBC Newsreader to Child Therapist

Kate Silverton, a familiar face from BBC news bulletins for more than two decades, has quietly built an entirely new career. The 54-year-old former newsreader now works as a qualified child therapist and is the author of two Sunday Times bestselling parenting books. Her life in the Cotswolds with her husband and two children reflects a deliberate shift away from the spotlight.

Silverton left the BBC in 2021 to retrain as a child therapist, describing it as her life’s passion. By 2023 she had qualified and now supports children with complex needs in a primary school setting. Alongside therapy, she writes, speaks publicly, and continues to share insights on child development and emotional regulation.

What Is Kate Silverton Doing Now?

Key Insights

• Silverton made a high-profile career transition from BBC newsreader to qualified child therapist, a move that drew widespread attention.
• She is a Sunday Times bestselling author with two books focused on child development and parenting.
• She remains married to Mike Heron, a former Royal Marine, and they have two children.
• Her psychology degree from Durham University provided a foundation for her later therapy career.
• She left the BBC in 2021 to retrain and qualified as a child therapist by 2023.

Key Facts at a Glance

Is Kate Silverton Still Married? Who Is Her Husband?

Kate Silverton married Mike Heron, a former Royal Marine, in December 2010. The couple have two children together: a daughter born in November 2011 and a son born in June 2014. Heron’s background is distinctly different from Silverton’s media career – he served in the Royal Marines before moving into the private sector.

Multiple credible sources confirm that Silverton remains married to Mike Heron, and no credible reports suggest a separation.

Silverton has spoken publicly about the support her husband provided during her career change. She moved with her family from west London to the Cotswolds in early 2024, a decision she has described as a fresh start for their family life.

What Books Has Kate Silverton Written?

Silverton is the author of two bestselling parenting books. Her first, There Is No Such Thing as ‘Naughty’, was published in 2021 and became a Sunday Times bestseller, reaching number 1 on publication. In March 2024, she released a follow-up: There Is Still No Such Thing as ‘Naughty’: Parenting the Primary Years. Both titles are available through major booksellers and have been featured on the Sunday Times bestseller list.

Both books draw on Silverton’s training as a child therapist and her own experience as a mother. They aim to help parents understand children’s behaviour through the lens of neuroscience and emotional development, offering practical strategies rather than punishment-based approaches.

In promotional material for the 2024 book, Silverton said she wanted to give parents practical help, hope, and a better understanding of children’s behaviour. The books have been praised for translating complex therapy concepts into accessible advice for everyday families.

How Old Is Kate Silverton and Where Did She Grow Up?

Kate Silverton was born on 4 August 1970 in Waltham Abbey, Essex, making her 54 years old as of 2024, as recorded on her Wikipedia biography. She studied psychology at Durham University, a choice that later proved foundational when she decided to retrain as a child therapist.

After university, she began a career in broadcasting, eventually joining the BBC as a newsreader. She became a regular presenter on BBC News at One and BBC Weekend News, with occasional work on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News. Her broadcasting career spanned more than 20 years before she left in 2021.

Silverton moved from west London to the Cotswolds in early 2024, so any older references to her living in London may no longer be accurate.

Did Kate Silverton Appear on Strictly Come Dancing?

Yes, Silverton was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. She was partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec and finished in 8th place, as documented on her BBC Strictly profile. Her appearance on the show introduced her to a wider audience and remains a notable chapter in her media career.

Since then, Silverton has reflected on her Strictly experience in interviews, often linking it to her broader interest in mental health and resilience. She has said the discipline of learning to dance helped her process personal trauma.

Career and Life Timeline

1. 1970 – Born in Essex, England.
2. 1990s – Studied Psychology at Durham University.
3. 1994–2010s – Built a career in broadcasting, joining the BBC as a newsreader.
4. 2010 – Married Mike Heron.
5. 2018 – Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing.
6. 2020s – Left the BBC to train as a child therapist.
7. 2022 – Published first Sunday Times bestselling book.
8. 2023 – Published second book; established therapy practice.
9. Present – Works as a child therapist, author, and speaker in the Cotswolds.

Is Kate Silverton a Qualified Child Therapist?

Yes. Silverton left the BBC in 2021 to retrain as a child therapist, and by 2023 she had qualified. She has spoken publicly about her training in trauma, healing, and children’s emotional needs. She now works in a primary school setting, supporting young children with complex needs. Details of her qualifications and practice are available on her official website.

Where Does Kate Silverton Live?

Silverton lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and two children. She moved there from west London in early 2024. The Cotswolds location has been mentioned in interviews as a deliberate choice for a quieter family life, away from the demands of London media circles. She occasionally shares glimpses of the area on her Instagram account.

Her home in the region also serves as a base for her therapy practice and writing.

What Are the Best Sources for Information About Kate Silverton?

The following sources provide the most reliable and up-to-date information about Kate Silverton:

• Wikipedia – A comprehensive biography with citations: Wikipedia — Kate Silverton.
• Official Website – Primary source for her current career, books, and speaking engagements: Kate Silverton Official Website.
• BBC Strictly Page – Record of her appearance on the show: BBC — Strictly Come Dancing Profile.
• IMDb – Filmography and brief bio: IMDb — Kate Silverton.
• Instagram – Official account for personal and professional updates: Instagram — Kate Silverton.

What’s Next for Kate Silverton?

Given her strong personal brand and established authority in child development, Silverton is likely to continue expanding her therapy practice, write additional books, and grow her speaking engagements. A podcast or online course in parenting or child mental health is a plausible next step. She remains an active voice in discussions about trauma, resilience, and family wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kate Silverton

For more on public figures who have reinvented their careers, read Helen Skelton – Biography, Career, Family and Latest Updates. Also see Wynne Evans – Strictly Journey, Partner, Net Worth and News.