TV Presenter Michaela Strachan chats to Yours about embracing life, nature, and defying gge expectations
Michaela Strachan is proving that age is just a number. As she approaches her 59th birthday this April, the beloved TV presenter shows no signs of slowing down. From Springwatch to Dancing on Ice, Michaela continues to embrace new challenges, proving that age should never be a barrier to adventure.
Taking on Dancing on Ice at 58
Michaela, who first found fame on children's television classics like Wide Awake Club and Wacaday, is now best known for her work on wildlife programmes such as Winterwatch. However, she stepped far outside her comfort zone in early 2025 when she swapped her wellies for sequins on Dancing on Ice.
Reflecting on the experience, she says, “Dancing on Ice was completely, wonderfully absurd. Who thought it was a good idea to put boots with sharp blades on and skate around a hard surface? The human species is quite potty! But the show was my bubble of joy. It was colourful, fun, and a much-needed escape in a world filled with heartache and trauma.”
Michaela, who reached the Dancing on Ice final, hopes to inspire others, especially older women, to take on new challenges. “I want to fly the flag for older women,” she explains. “Age does not and should not define you. I hope I encourage people to try something new.”
Her advice? “The first day is always the hardest. Commit to it and push yourself.”
A New Chapter in Life
The timing of Dancing on Ice was perfect for Michaela, as her son Oliver, 18, recently left home for university. She also plays a loving stepmother role to her long-term partner Nick Chevallier’s three adult children: Jade, 37, and twins Tom and Sam, 33.
Instead of feeling like an empty nester, Michaela is embracing this new phase. “Your children define you in many ways, and your life revolves around them. But when they grow up, suddenly you get time to pursue all the things you couldn’t before. I could have been at home feeling sorry for myself, but instead, I’m living and loving it.”
Nature as a Lifelong Passion
Away from the ice rink, Michaela finds joy in the great outdoors. While she originally trained in musical theatre, she found her true calling in wildlife television and has been a core part of BBC’s Springwatch since 2009.
Michaela is passionate about engaging viewers in conservation. “Springwatch isn’t just about showing beautiful wildlife—it’s about inspiring action. Right now, a key focus is making sure people wash their bird feeders to prevent disease. Our viewers appreciate being empowered to help protect nature.”
Finding Happiness in the Mountains
While she has travelled across the UK, Michaela’s favourite spot remains Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). However, since moving to Cape Town, South Africa, in 2002, she now enjoys sunnier hikes.
“Table Mountain is my local mountain back home. Instead of going out for lunch, my friends and I prefer to go hiking—it’s where I feel most at peace.”
A Message for the Future
Michaela’s love for the natural world has shaped her outlook on life. She hopes people will start to respect nature rather than dominate it. “We need to change our mindset. We should see ourselves as part of nature, not above it. If we can do that, it would be a huge step forward.”
At 58, Michaela Strachan is proving that age is not a limitation—it’s an opportunity. Whether she’s trekking up mountains, inspiring conservation efforts, or dazzling on the ice, one thing is certain: she’s living life to the fullest!