Helen McConnell is much more than the wife of former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans. Now professionally known as Helen Evans, she has built her own career as an MUTV presenter, podcast host and events presenter. Football introduced the couple, but Helen’s knowledge of the sport, confident interview style and years of broadcasting work helped her create an identity of her own. (Belfast Telegraph)
Quick Bio of Helen McConnell
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Helen McConnell |
| Married name | Helen Evans |
| Nationality | Northern Irish/British |
| Profession | Television presenter, podcast host and events presenter |
| Known for | Presenting for MUTV and being Jonny Evans’ wife |
| Education | Sports Studies at Ulster University |
| Husband | Jonny Evans |
| Wedding date | June 1, 2013 |
| Wedding location | Clough Presbyterian Church, Northern Ireland |
| Children | Three |
| Father | Reverend Ken McConnell |
| Exact date of birth | Not publicly confirmed |
| Current public role | Manchester United podcast and MUTV presenter |
Who Is Helen McConnell?
Helen McConnell is a Northern Irish sports presenter with a long connection to Manchester United.
She first became familiar to supporters through MUTV, the club’s official television service. Her work included player interviews, match-related programmes and other Manchester United content.
After marrying Jonny Evans, she began using the name Helen Evans professionally. Today, official Manchester United material continues to identify her as a presenter and host. She has appeared on the club’s podcasts alongside former players, commentators and football guests. (Manchester United)
Although her husband enjoyed a long and successful football career, Helen did not simply disappear behind his fame.
She continued working in broadcasting and developed her own trusted relationship with Manchester United supporters.
Where Is Helen McConnell From?
Helen comes from Northern Ireland.
Reports published around her wedding described her as coming from a football-loving family. She attended Wellington College in Belfast and later studied Sports Studies at the University of Ulster, now known as Ulster University. (Belfast Telegraph)
Her education made sense for someone who later entered sports broadcasting.
A presenter covering football needs more than a good voice. She must understand the game, know the players and feel comfortable asking questions in a busy professional environment.
Helen’s background gave her a natural connection with sport before she met Jonny.
How Old Is Helen McConnell?
Helen’s exact date of birth has not been officially published.
Wedding reports described her as 25 years old when she married Jonny Evans in June 2013. This suggests that she was probably born in 1987 or 1988. (Hff)
Based on that information, she would be around 38 or 39 in 2026.
However, this remains an estimate.
Several biography websites publish exact birthdays without showing a dependable source. It is safer to say that her full birth date remains private.
Who Are Helen McConnell’s Parents?
Helen’s father is Reverend Ken McConnell.
He served as minister at Clough Presbyterian Church, the same church where Helen and Jonny held their wedding ceremony in 2013. Reports from the day showed him taking an important role in the family occasion. (Belfast Telegraph)
Little verified information has been published about Helen’s mother.
This is understandable because her parents did not choose public careers connected with celebrity entertainment.
Helen also has a brother named Nathan McConnell. Nathan has spoken publicly about the family’s strong interest in football and described Jonny as a good person away from the pitch. (Belfast Telegraph)
What Did Helen Study?
Helen studied Sports Studies at the University of Ulster.
Reports from around her wedding described her as a strong student who had developed a serious interest in sport. She also gained experience in modelling and presenting. (Belfast Telegraph)
A Sports Studies course can include subjects such as sports development, coaching, health, physical activity and the wider organisation of sport.
That educational path helped prepare Helen for working around professional football.
She could understand the sporting world while also learning how to communicate clearly with players and viewers.
Was Helen McConnell a Model?
Helen worked as a part-time model before and during the early stages of her presenting career.
Northern Irish media had photographed and written about her before she became Jonny Evans’ wife. A profile published shortly after their wedding described her modelling background alongside her television work. (Belfast Telegraph)
However, modelling did not become the main reason she was known.
Her longer and more consistent career has been in sports presentation.
Calling her only a model can therefore give an incomplete picture. Broadcasting, interviewing and event hosting became the more important parts of her professional life.
What Is MUTV?
MUTV is Manchester United’s official television service.
It provides interviews, club news, documentaries, academy coverage, classic games and programmes involving current and former players.
The service began in 1998 and later became fully owned by Manchester United. Helen has been among the presenters associated with the channel. (Wikipedia)
Working for MUTV placed her close to one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
She had to interview players professionally, understand club news and communicate with a global audience.
It was also through this work that her personal story became connected with Jonny Evans.
How Did Helen McConnell Meet Jonny Evans?
Helen reportedly met Jonny when she interviewed him for MUTV in 2011.
At the time, Jonny was an established Manchester United defender. Helen was working as a presenter for the club’s television channel. (Hff)
Their first meeting was therefore professional.
She was not simply a supporter trying to meet a football star. She was doing her job, while Jonny was speaking as a Manchester United player.
The interview eventually led to a personal relationship.
Their story became a popular example of football bringing two people together in an unexpected way.
When Did Helen and Jonny Start Dating?
The couple did not publish a detailed timeline explaining exactly when their friendship became romantic.
However, reports say they met during an MUTV interview in 2011 and were preparing to marry by the end of 2012. (Belfast Telegraph)
Their relationship grew mostly outside the public spotlight.
Even though Jonny was playing for Manchester United, the couple did not turn every stage of their romance into a media event.
By December 2012, Northern Irish newspapers were reporting that they planned to marry the following summer.
When Did Helen McConnell Marry Jonny Evans?
Helen and Jonny married on June 1, 2013.
The wedding took place at Clough Presbyterian Church in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The ceremony was attended by relatives, friends and figures from the football world. (Belfast Telegraph)
Helen wore a traditional white wedding dress, while Jonny wore formal morning clothing.
The event attracted photographers because Jonny was a Manchester United and Northern Ireland international player.
Still, the church ceremony remained strongly connected with Helen’s family and Northern Irish background.
Did Helen’s Father Conduct the Wedding?
Helen’s father, Reverend Ken McConnell, was closely involved with the church where the couple married.
Reports published before the wedding said Clough Presbyterian Church was the church where he served as minister. (Belfast Telegraph)
This made the ceremony especially personal.
Instead of choosing a famous international hotel or celebrity location, Helen and Jonny returned to Northern Ireland and married in a place connected with her family.
That decision reflected the couple’s strong ties to home.
Who Is Jonny Evans?
Jonathan Grant Evans is a former Northern Irish professional footballer.
He was born in Belfast on January 3, 1988 and came through Manchester United’s youth system.
Jonny played as a central defender and won major honours during his first period with the club. These included three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
He also played for Sunderland on loan, West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City before returning to Manchester United in 2023. (Wikipedia)
Jonny earned 107 appearances for Northern Ireland.
He retired from international football in August 2024 after representing his country for around 18 years. (IFA)
How Many Children Do Helen and Jonny Have?
Helen and Jonny have three children together.
Their first child, a daughter named Lottie, was publicly seen supporting Northern Ireland during UEFA Euro 2016. The family later welcomed two more children. (Belfast Telegraph)
By December 2019, reliable reports confirmed that the couple had three children.
Helen and Jonny occasionally mention family life, but they do not regularly share detailed information about their children.
This careful approach allows the children to grow without constant football and celebrity attention.
Why Do They Protect Their Children’s Privacy?
Jonny’s career placed him in front of large crowds and television audiences.
Helen also works publicly as a presenter.
Their children, however, did not choose those careers.
The couple has therefore shared only limited family information. They may appear together at some football events, but their daily routines, education and personal lives remain mostly private.
This is a responsible choice.
Public interest in a footballer does not mean every detail about his children must become public information.
Does Helen McConnell Still Work for Manchester United?
Yes. Helen remains professionally connected with Manchester United.
Manchester United’s official website named her as one of the hosts of the renewed Inside Carrington podcast. The programme has featured Helen alongside commentator Liam Bradford and former United players. (Manchester United)
The podcast explores life around Manchester United.
Guests discuss football careers, club history, coaching, transfers and experiences inside Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground.
Helen’s continued role shows that her connection with the club is based on professional experience, not only her marriage.
What Is the Official Manchester United Podcast?
Manchester United has produced official podcast programmes featuring club legends, players, coaches and staff.
Helen has hosted many episodes, often working with Sam Homewood and former United defender David May.
The programme was nominated at the British Podcast Awards in 2022, showing that it had earned recognition beyond the club’s own audience. (Manchester United)
Her interviews have included emotional and personal stories from major football figures.
This kind of work requires careful listening.
A strong interviewer must allow the guest to speak naturally while still guiding the conversation toward useful and interesting stories.
Did Helen Ever Interview Her Husband?
Yes. One of Helen’s most memorable interviews involved Jonny himself.
Northern Ireland’s official media arranged a surprise in which Helen interviewed him while looking back at his career and his 100th international appearance. (YouTube)
The moment was unusual because Helen had to balance two roles.
She was both the professional presenter asking questions and the wife who had personally witnessed many parts of his career.
Their shared history gave the interview a warmth that a normal sports conversation might not have had.
Did Helen Support Jonny During His Club Changes?
Helen was beside Jonny through several important football moves.
He left Manchester United for West Bromwich Albion in 2015. He later joined Leicester City in 2018 and won the FA Cup with the club in 2021.
In 2023, he made an unexpected return to Manchester United.
The move had extra meaning because Helen had continued working with the club through MUTV and its official podcast.
Jonny’s return allowed the family to reconnect professionally and personally with the place where their relationship had begun.
When Did Jonny Evans Retire?
Jonny stopped playing professionally in 2025.
Manchester United then appointed him head of loans and pathways, giving him a role supporting younger players who moved temporarily to other clubs. (Manchester United)
In 2026, he became involved with Manchester United’s first-team coaching staff.
The club’s official staff information listed him among the coaches supporting head coach Michael Carrick during the 2025–26 season. (Manchester United)
This means both Helen and Jonny remained closely connected with Manchester United after his playing career ended.
Does Helen Use the Name McConnell or Evans?
Helen was born Helen McConnell.
After marrying Jonny, she began appearing professionally as Helen Evans.
Manchester United’s official articles, podcasts and media channels now normally use the married name Helen Evans. (Manchester United)
Both names refer to the same person.
This can confuse readers because older wedding stories call her Helen McConnell, while recent Manchester United content calls her Helen Evans.
Searching both names gives a clearer picture of her career.
Is Helen McConnell on Social Media?
Helen maintains public social-media profiles linked with her presenting career.
Her professional descriptions identify her as a Manchester United podcast host, MUTV presenter, freelance presenter and events host. (X (formerly Twitter))
She uses social media to discuss football, work and occasional family moments.
However, she does not post every part of her private life.
Accounts pretending to represent her should be checked carefully. Her married name, Helen Evans, is shared by many other people, so a matching name alone does not prove an account is genuine.
Is Helen McConnell Still Married to Jonny Evans?
Yes. There is no dependable report that Helen and Jonny have separated or divorced.
They married in 2013 and have continued appearing publicly as husband and wife.
A 2024 profile described the couple as married with three children, while later Manchester United content continued showing their shared connection with the club. (Belfast Telegraph)
Online searches sometimes create breakup rumours when a couple does not post photographs regularly.
A quiet social-media presence is not evidence of a marriage problem.
What Is Helen McConnell’s Net Worth?
Helen’s personal net worth has not been publicly confirmed.
She earns or has earned money through television presenting, podcast hosting, modelling and event work.
However, no dependable source provides her salary, savings, property or business investments.
Jonny earned significant income during his football career, but his earnings cannot automatically be presented as Helen’s personal wealth.
Websites offering exact figures are producing estimates rather than verified financial information.
Why Is Helen More Than a Footballer’s Wife?
Helen had her own connection with sport before meeting Jonny.
She studied Sports Studies, worked in modelling and entered television presentation.
Her MUTV career placed her in football through her own professional effort.
She later became a host of Manchester United’s official podcast and continued interviewing important figures from the club’s history. (Manchester United)
Her marriage increased public interest in her life, but it did not create her entire career.
The couple’s story is unusual because both partners developed professional relationships with Manchester United in different ways.
Jonny performed on the pitch.
Helen told the stories around the club through interviews and broadcasting.
What Is Helen McConnell Doing Now?
Helen continues to work as a presenter in 2026.
Manchester United’s current media output identifies her as a host of Inside Carrington, the club’s official podcast series. Recent episodes have involved discussions about players, club operations and life behind the scenes. (Manchester United)
She also describes herself professionally as an events host and freelance presenter.
At the same time, she and Jonny are raising their three children.
Her public work remains closely connected with football, but she keeps the private side of family life carefully protected.
Final Thoughts
Helen McConnell is often introduced as Jonny Evans’ wife, but that description tells only one part of her story.
She grew up in Northern Ireland in a family that loved football.
She studied Sports Studies, gained modelling experience and developed a broadcasting career with MUTV.
Her work led to an interview with Jonny Evans in 2011. Their professional meeting became a relationship, and they married at Clough Presbyterian Church on June 1, 2013.
The couple later welcomed three children.
While Jonny played for Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City and Northern Ireland, Helen continued building her presenting career.
She became a familiar voice on Manchester United’s official podcast and remains connected with MUTV and club media in 2026.
Jonny has now moved from playing into coaching, while Helen continues telling football stories through interviews.
Their shared connection with Manchester United began at work, became a marriage and has continued through a new stage of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Helen McConnell?
Helen McConnell, now known as Helen Evans, is a Northern Irish television presenter, podcast host and events presenter. She is also the wife of former footballer Jonny Evans.
What does Helen McConnell do?
She works as an MUTV presenter and hosts official Manchester United podcast content.
Is Helen McConnell still working for MUTV?
Yes. She remains connected with Manchester United media and has hosted the club’s Inside Carrington podcast.
Who is Helen McConnell’s husband?
Her husband is former Manchester United and Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans.
How did Helen meet Jonny Evans?
They reportedly met when Helen interviewed Jonny for MUTV in 2011.
When did Helen McConnell marry Jonny Evans?
They married on June 1, 2013.
Where did Helen and Jonny get married?
They married at Clough Presbyterian Church in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Who is Helen McConnell’s father?
Her father is Reverend Ken McConnell, who was connected with the church where she married Jonny.
How many children do Helen and Jonny Evans have?
They have three children.
What is Helen McConnell’s daughter’s name?
Their eldest daughter is publicly known as Lottie. The couple protects most information about their children.
How old is Helen McConnell?
Her exact date of birth is not confirmed. She was reported as 25 in June 2013, placing her age at around 38 or 39 in 2026.
Where did Helen McConnell study?
She studied Sports Studies at the University of Ulster.
Was Helen McConnell a model?
Yes. Reports described her as a part-time model during the early part of her career.
Why is she now called Helen Evans?
She began using the surname Evans after marrying Jonny Evans in 2013.
Is Helen McConnell still married?
Yes. There is no reliable report that she and Jonny Evans have separated.
What is Helen McConnell’s net worth?
Her personal net worth has not been publicly verified.
What is Jonny Evans doing now?
After retiring as a player in 2025, Jonny moved into Manchester United staff and coaching roles.
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