'To me it is just as sensible a decision': Kate Humble, 52, hits back at claims she's 'selfish' after deciding not to have children

Kate Humble has hit back at claims she's being 'selfish' after deciding against having children.

In a new interview the Countryfile presenter, 52, said that 'no one has the right' to tell a woman whether or not she should have a child, and she still views her decision as a 'sensible' one during the Covid pandemic.

Kate, who has been married to producer Ludo Graham since 1992, had previously come under fire for insisting she had no plans to start a family, after insisting she knew from the age of 14 she didn't want children.

Speaking to The Mirror, Kate explained that the pandemic has only confirmed her decision not to have a child.

She said: 'This sounds very apocalyptic, but we're living in a world which is hugely unpredictable and if the last year has taught us anything, it's taught us that.

'And you really want to think, ''Do I want to bring a child into this world?'' That is an entirely valid reason. The world's population is going through the roof.' 

Addressing backlash she's faced in the past, the Coastal Britain presenter said women should never be viewed negatively if they decide they don't want to start a family.

She added: 'If people want to have kids that is totally fine, but no one should feel that somehow they are inadequate or selfish – that's something I've been called a lot – or just weird if they don't want kids.'

'To me it is just as sensible a decision to decide not to have them as it is to have them. No one has the right to tell any woman that she should have children.'

Kate said she's perfectly content with her life at home on a farm with husband Ludo, though recent weeks have been tinged with sadness after their death of their beloved dog Badger.

She is set to host Kate Humble's Coastal Britain on Channel 5 on Friday, offering viewers a glimpse of some of the best places to visit at a time when international travel is an unlikely feat.

In 2016 Kate spoke about publicly revealing her decision not to have children, after realising when she was just 14 that didn't want to be a mum.

Speaking on Lorraine she said: 'I knew very early on that I didn't want children, so I thought, I'm just going to say it. I don't think it's anybody's business but I think it's just easier if I just come out and say, ''I don't want them, I've never wanted them''.

'I know it sounds dreadful but that's just how I feel. But it was amazing, the reaction, [there were] so many women via social media and in the papers saying 'thanks for voicing what we feel', because so many people don't want kids.'