Vick Hope, the Newcastle-born BBC Radio 1 DJ and new Countryfile presenter, has candidly spoken about the intense pressure she placed on herself early in her career by accepting “every job under the sun.” Now 35 and co-hosting the popular Going Home with Vick, Katie and Jamie show, Hope reflected on a time when she pushed herself to the brink of exhaustion.
Joining the Countryfile team in March, Hope revealed how her relentless work ethic led to burnout. She confessed that in 2018, she barely took any time off, working early mornings on the Capital Breakfast show alongside Roman Kemp and juggling multiple roles. “I was getting up at 4am every day. I hadn’t seen my family for so long,” she shared in an interview with The Independent.
Her dedication came at a personal cost, forcing her to cancel family holidays, miss weddings, and sacrifice quality time with loved ones. Reflecting on that period when she was around 27, she described a moment of collapse due to exhaustion, recalling her mother’s concerned question: “What are you chasing?”
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Today, Vick is focused on achieving balance. She prioritizes regular walks in nature and attends therapy sessions every two weeks to maintain her well-being. Speaking about her new role on Countryfile, she expressed excitement about connecting with nature and the UK’s rural communities. “Spending time in nature has always been important to me,” she said. “Joining a team passionate about country life and learning from them feels truly special.”
Vick Hope’s story highlights the importance of recognizing limits and prioritizing mental health in a demanding career.