In the world of British wildlife television, few names are as instantly recognizable as Chris Packham and his step-daughter Megan McCubbin. They’ve inspired millions through their BBC shows, conservation work, and nature-focused campaigns. Yet, behind their success story stands a quieter figure who helped shape this remarkable journey — Jo McCubbin.
Though she rarely appears in the public eye, Jo McCubbin’s name often surfaces when people search for “Chris Packham wife Jo McCubbin” or “mother Jo McCubbin”. Her story is one of warmth, privacy, and influence — a woman who supported her family’s passion for wildlife while choosing to live far from fame.
This in-depth profile explores who Jo McCubbin is, her relationship with Chris Packham, her connection to Megan McCubbin, her background and age, and how her quiet strength has helped nurture one of Britain’s most beloved nature-loving families.
Early Life and Background of Jo McCubbin
Public information about Jo McCubbin’s early life is sparse. She has deliberately kept her personal history private, avoiding interviews and media attention. What is known is that Jo McCubbin worked as a nurse, a profession that reflects her compassionate and caring nature.
Her medical background suggests a life built around service and empathy — qualities that no doubt influenced the nurturing environment she created for her daughter. While little is publicly known about her education or upbringing, those who know of her through Megan describe her as grounded, intelligent, and devoted to her family.
It’s believed that Jo McCubbin was born in the United Kingdom, likely in the 1960s, making her estimated age in her late 50s to early 60s. This estimate appears across several lifestyle publications, although she has never confirmed her exact age publicly.
Relationship With Chris Packham
One of the most common searches online is “Chris Packham wife Jo McCubbin” or “married Chris Packham wife Jo McCubbin”. Despite what the phrasing implies, Chris Packham and Jo McCubbin were never officially married. They were, however, long-term partners, and their relationship played a significant role in both of their lives — particularly in the upbringing of Megan McCubbin.
Chris Packham, the well-known BBC naturalist and presenter of Springwatch and The Really Wild Show, has often spoken about his challenges with Asperger’s syndrome and his passion for wildlife. During the time he and Jo McCubbin were together, she was a source of understanding and balance in his life.
Although their romantic relationship eventually ended, they remained connected through their daughter, Megan. Chris Packham has continued to play a supportive role in Megan’s career and personal life, with both describing each other as “family” even today.
Their relationship, while unconventional, is built on mutual respect and shared values — especially a love for nature, compassion, and education.
Jo McCubbin as a Mother
When people search “mother Jo McCubbin”, they are often referring to her role as the mother of Megan McCubbin, the wildlife presenter, conservationist, and photographer who co-hosts BBC’s Springwatch alongside Chris Packham.
Megan has spoken fondly of her upbringing, crediting her mother for much of her curiosity and kindness. Growing up, Jo McCubbin nurtured Megan’s love for animals and the environment. With Jo’s background in nursing and Chris’s influence as a naturalist, Megan was raised in a household that valued empathy, care, and the natural world.
In interviews, Megan has said that her mother’s stability and support were essential during her formative years. When Chris Packham discussed his challenges with autism and social interactions, Jo was reportedly instrumental in helping maintain harmony in the family, offering emotional intelligence and patience that complemented Chris’s intensity and focus.
It’s evident that Jo McCubbin’s parenting style was calm, open-minded, and encouraging — allowing Megan to explore her interests freely. Today, Megan’s calm confidence in front of the camera and her ability to connect with audiences may well be rooted in her mother’s early influence.
The Family Dynamic: Jo, Chris, and Megan
The relationship between Jo McCubbin, Chris Packham, and Megan McCubbin is often described as one of mutual respect and collaboration. Though Jo and Chris eventually parted ways romantically, their co-parenting remained strong.
When Megan began appearing alongside Chris on Springwatch and Animal Einsteins, viewers noticed their genuine chemistry and warmth. Many wondered about the family behind the scenes — which led to renewed interest in Jo McCubbin.
While Jo chooses to stay out of the limelight, her influence remains present in both Chris’s and Megan’s lives. Sources close to the family suggest that even after the separation, Jo and Chris maintained communication centered on Megan’s well-being and shared values around conservation and education.
This dynamic — respectful, modern, and grounded — is a refreshing example of how families can remain connected even after romantic changes.
Jo McCubbin’s Personality and Interests
Though not a public figure, those who have met or spoken about Jo McCubbin describe her as empathetic, level-headed, and quietly strong. Her background as a nurse points to a lifetime of compassion and discipline.
Friends of the family and online biographical write-ups suggest she has a deep appreciation for wildlife, nature, and the outdoors, which she likely shared with Megan from an early age.
Her decision to live privately, away from media attention, aligns with a preference for simplicity and authenticity. Unlike many connected to public figures, Jo McCubbin seems uninterested in fame or recognition, preferring to live a grounded, meaningful life focused on family and personal integrity.
Jo McCubbin and Chris Packham’s Continued Connection
Even though Jo McCubbin and Chris Packham are no longer partners, their lives remain linked through Megan. They continue to share mutual respect and occasionally appear in stories about Megan’s upbringing and success.
Chris Packham has spoken openly about how much Megan means to him, describing her as a “wonderful step-daughter” and “kindred spirit.” It’s clear that the environment Jo helped cultivate allowed Megan to thrive in both her personal and professional life.
While the public often refers to “Chris Packham wife Jo McCubbin”, it’s more accurate to say that Jo was his long-time companion and co-parent — a vital part of his family story even after the relationship changed form.
Jo McCubbin’s Age and Current Life
As of 2025, Jo McCubbin’s age is estimated to be in her late 50s to early 60s, though exact details are unconfirmed. She continues to live privately in the UK, away from media coverage.
She doesn’t appear to maintain public social-media accounts, and no recent interviews or photos of her have been published. This privacy reflects her consistent desire to stay out of public scrutiny, despite being connected to two well-known media personalities.
This low-profile lifestyle highlights her character — humble, independent, and content with anonymity.
The Legacy of a Quiet Influence
Not everyone shapes the world from a stage; some do it from the background through love, care, and values passed down. Jo McCubbin’s legacy is seen most clearly in her daughter, Megan.
Megan’s calm demeanor, empathy toward animals, and natural communication skills are attributes that reflect her mother’s upbringing. Jo’s influence has indirectly reached millions through Megan’s conservation work and BBC appearances.
While Jo McCubbin may not have sought fame, her life’s impact is visible in the next generation — a testament to how unseen support often fuels public success.
Why the Public Is Curious About Jo McCubbin
The continued public curiosity around Jo McCubbin stems from her association with two beloved British personalities — Chris and Megan. Fans of Springwatch and The Really Wild Show often search terms like “Chris Packham wife Jo McCubbin” or “married Chris Packham wife Jo McCubbin” hoping to learn more about the woman behind the scenes.
However, what makes Jo McCubbin fascinating isn’t just her connections; it’s her choice to remain private in a world that constantly demands visibility. She embodies the idea that not every influential figure must be in the spotlight.
Her quiet dignity, resilience, and care stand out — proving that authenticity and strength can exist without fame.
Conclusion
So, who is Jo McCubbin?
She is far more than “Chris Packham’s ex-partner” or “Megan McCubbin’s mother.” She’s a compassionate nurse, a devoted parent, and a symbol of understated influence. While the internet may focus on her relationship status or speculate about her age, her true story lies in the kindness and grounding she brought to her family.
In a world obsessed with visibility, Jo McCubbin represents a refreshing reminder: that love, empathy, and quiet dedication can have an impact far beyond the public eye.
This story is part of Newtly, where we explore the inspiring lives and legacies of people who shape the world — whether from the spotlight or behind the scenes.
