Sarah Greene has revealed she turned down TV roles for a while because she felt “too drained” after the death of her late husband Mike Smith.
The 65-year-old TV presenter, best known as the presenter of Blue Peter and Saturday Superstore, was married to Mike, the presenter of BBC’s Breakfast Time, from 1989 until his tragic death aged 59 from complications in 2014 at the age of 59.
Despite her thriving career as a presenter, Sarah withdrew from the spotlight after Mike’s death and instead focused on running his aerial photography company.
However, Sarah is set to make a big TV comeback this year as co-host of new BBC game show The Finish Line alongside Roman Kemp.
And now she’s back on screens, Sarah said she has no plans to retire, adding her late husband would be “proud” of her return to television.
Tough enough: Sarah Greene has revealed she turned down TV roles for a while because she felt “too drained” after the death of her late husband Mike Smith
Love: The 65-year-old TV presenter, best known as the presenter of Blue Peter and Saturday Superstore, was married to Mike from 1989 until his tragic death aged 59 following heart surgery in 2014 (pictured in 2008)
Speaking to The Mirror about how she was coping with Mike’s death, she said, “Nine years ago my husband died and I had a very big task ahead of me because I made the decision to take over his business.” It was a learning abyss. It took up a lot of my headspace.
“Television offers came in, but I tried for a long time to get to know this new business, but felt too immature. Only time can tell, you know when you feel ready, when you have that energy.”
While she has been away from the spotlight for several years, Sarah is excited to be back in the saddle as she hosts the new show with Roman – who she revealed was there the moment they met.
And as she reaches the veteran stage of her career, Sarah has revealed that retirement isn’t on the cards just yet, noting that radio DJ Mike would be “proud” of her return to television.
She also added that she felt Mike’s presence while filming the game show in Belfast, where he grew up, noting, “I got a couple of little hugs from him on the shoulder.”
With Sarah’s career back on track, she also recently found a new love for former British Touring Car Champion Robb Gravett, who was one of Mike’s “oldest friends”.
Their romance was unveiled in February last year, with Sarah believing her late husband “pulled the strings” to make the romance blossom.
Sarah told the My Time Capsule podcast, “I kind of know Mike pulls so many strings in my life.”
Step back: Despite her blossoming career as a presenter, Sarah stepped away from the spotlight after Mike’s death and instead focused on running his aerial photography company (pictured with Going Live co-host Phillip Schofield in 1990)
Back to business, however, Sarah is set to make a big TV comeback this year as co-host of new BBC game show ‘The Finish Line’ alongside Roman Kemp (pictured).
Honestly: offers for TV came in, but I tried for a long time to get used to this new business, but felt too insecure. Only time will tell (Sarah and Mike pictured in 2000)
“He was no doubt responsible for my meeting my lover who was among his oldest friends who waited for a period of time but kept leaving messages on the answering machine. I thought he was just being friendly.
“Then I got a message that was almost like, ‘For heaven’s sake Greeno, Robb is trying to contact you because he actually wants to take you out, not because he’s nice.’ So just get your ass off and next time the phone rings!’
“Lo and behold, a whole new conversation began. I’m sure, and Robb is very sure too, because it’s a very strange situation.
Start strong: And as she reaches the veteran stage of her career, Sarah has revealed that retirement isn’t on the horizon, noting that radio DJ Mike would be “proud” of her return to television
Always with her: She also added that she felt Mike’s presence during filming of the game show in Belfast, where he grew up, noting: ‘I got a few little hugs from him on the shoulder’ (pictured in 1999)
“I remember being terribly worried and saying to this lovely man I’ve known all these years, ‘Isn’t it weird coming into the house and seeing all these pictures of Mike everywhere?’
“He said, ‘No, no, that’s not weird.’ It would be strange if they weren’t there. And remember, I love him too.”
Mike and Robb managed the Trakstar team that won the 1990 British Touring Car Championship.