In Britain, Ellie Costello is usually on the air first thing in the morning, long before most people have even fully woken up. She is calm and collected as she leads viewers through the day’s first news stories. Being clear under pressure, able to change tone quickly, and having a steady presence while things are still happening are all important parts of the job. A lot of people have grown used to seeing her at breakfast. In real life, though, she is a workplace disciplined person with steady ambitions whose career has been shaped by both reporting from the field and hosting from a desk.

When people hear the Spall family name, two British actors often come to mind: Timothy Spall and his son Rafe Spall. Both have built impressive careers across theatre, British cinema, and Hollywood productions. From Shakespearean performances to major film projects, their work has reached audiences around the world. However, behind this talented creative family is Mercedes Spall, a daughter and sister who has chosen a very different path.