Greg James, the host of BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show, recently spoke out about his decision not to have children with his wife, writer and journalist Bella Mackie. While many couples feel pressured to start a family, James and Mackie are comfortable with their choice, and want to assure others that it’s okay to not follow the traditional path of parenthood. In an interview with The Sunday Times, the couple shared their thoughts on the subject, revealing that they are “fine” without kids. Here’s what James had to say about their decision, and why they believe it’s important to talk openly about living a child-free life.
Greg James, 37, a Radio 1 DJ, and his wife, Bella Mackie, 39, do not have plans to have children anytime soon, according to a recent interview with Men’s Health UK. ‘We’re both on ‘no’ to kids at the moment…It’s where we are at the moment. We’re having a nice time,’ Greg stated. Bella, who is a writer, and Greg are focused on their careers and enjoying their time together. They like to maintain an open conversation about their decisions and their mental health struggles, such as Bella’s anxiety and OCD.
In September 2018, the couple exchanged vows after Bella proposed in June of that year. They have been together for a few years now and have both experienced life’s ups and downs. This includes a difficult situation where in May 2020, Bella revealed she had a miscarriage which triggered her mental health to “plummet.” In an essay for The Times, Bella shared that it was a surprise and only lasted for three weeks, but her obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and intrusive thoughts flooded her emotional and mental state.
This experience affected her and her husband’s perspectives on having children. In the essay, Bella wrote that the thought of trying for a baby again is terrifying, and she is unsure of how she would handle it mentally. Although she still considers the possibility of having children in the future, she wants to ensure that she and Greg are both ready for it.
Greg currently sees a therapist and talked about how open conversations about mental health have impacted him positively. He also mentioned that his father has struggled with depression and anxiety, which he learned about later in life. Now, Greg tries to maintain a close relationship with his father and prioritize emotional and mental well-being.
The couple’s relationship was made public when Greg announced their engagement, the same day it was announced that he would replace Nick Grimshaw as the host of Radio 1’s Breakfast Show. Using social media to break the news, Greg shared a photograph of Bella holding up the engagement ring while he beamed with joy. They seem to have been happy ever since, enjoying their marriage and supporting each other through life’s challenges.
Bella’s openness about her struggles with anxiety and OCD also highlights the importance of mental health conversations. By being open about her experiences, Bella is encouraging others to do the same and feel less alone. At the same time, she and Greg are taking care of their mental and emotional health, prioritizing their happiness and relationship, and making decisions that work for them. For now, they are happy, healthy, and enjoying their “nice life.”
In closing, Greg James and his wife Bella Mackie’s decision to not have children is deeply personal and should be respected. It’s essential to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and we all have the right to choose what’s best for ourselves and our families. Ultimately, what matters most is the love and happiness they share as a couple, and we wish them all the best in the future.
