Helen Skelton's ex makes subtle dig at star as she begins Strictly Come Dancing journey

Gorka Marquez appeared mortified after he made a mistake during a coffee break with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Helen Skelton. The pair have been spending recent days preparing for week three of the competition after avoiding the first dance-off of the BBC One series last weekend.

EastEnders star James Bye is taking to the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing this year, alongside celebrities such as Helen Skelton, Will Mellor and Kym Marsh.The actor, 38, who portrays Martin Fowler in the hit BBC One soap, was the 14th star to be announced in the star-studded line-up, and he called it an "honour" to have been asked to appear on the popular show. There's no doubt all of James' EastEnders cast mates are cheering him on from Albert Square, alongside his loving wife Victoria and their three sons, Edward, eight, and Louis, six, and three year old Hugo.

Helen Skelton made an appearance on ITV's Lorraine alongside her pro dance partner Gorka Marquez on today to talk all things Strictly Come Dancing. The Countryfile presenter is one of 15 celebrities in the running to win the 2022 series of the BBC dance contest which kicked off last Saturday (September 24).

She's already admitted that her brain and feet are on fire from training for Strictly Come Dancing but it appears Helen Skelton is also enduring a bit of stress at home. The TV star has been keeping her social media followers updated with her progress during week two of rehearsals for the dance contest.

Helen Skelton has said she is 'trying to be sexy' while showing off her blistered feet on social media. The Countryfile host is currently in training for week two of Strictly Come Dancing which will be on screens this coming Saturday.

The stars of this year's Strictly Come Dancing couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces as they left the studio after their first dances on the show. This season kicked off in spectacular sequinned style over the weekend, with celebrities such as actor Kym Marsh, singer Fleur East, Loose Women 's Kaye Adams and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds all putting their best feet forward. Kaye Adams, 59, was supported on night one by her fellow Loose Women panellists and good friends Jane Moore and Nadia Sawalha, and the trio were seen beaming alongside Helen Skelton - also a contestant - and Strictly pro Gorka Marquez.

Helen Skelton was a vision on Saturday when she reshared a candid Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal snap - and her physique looked incredible.MORE: Helen Skelton fans all saying same thing about her Strictly partneringTaking to her Instagram Stories, the Countryfile star, 39, was seen alongside her partner Gorka Marquez, fellow contestant Ellie Taylor and her partner Johannes Radebe. Ellie, who had her hair in rollers, and Helen, rocked billowing rehearsal skirts for the behind-the-scenes photo.WATCH: Helen Skelton dazzles in glitter-clad jumpsuit for Strictly revealHelen matched her long skirt with a fabulous sporty grey, acid wash sports bra which showed off her impressive Strictly-honed physique.READ: Strictly star Anton Du Beke shares injury that forced him into judgingSEE: 12 Strictly Come Dancing pros' glitzy weddings: Amy Dowden, Janette Manrara & moreThe two celebrities appear to be getting on like a house on fire since starting the show as just before the candid update, Ellie shared the sweetest photo of the two of them cuddled up together.

Gorka Marquez and former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton were highly praised as they made their dancefloor debut together on Saturday night. The pair floated across the floor on Strictly Come Dancing as they performed the American Smooth to Aretha Franklin's You Send Me.

Strictly Come Dancing 2022 is set to kick off in a matter of days, with the launch show now airing on Friday 23 September. During the first show, which was filmed on 7 September, fans will finally find out which celebrity has been paired with which professional dancer and then the following evening (24 September) the first live show of the series will air.

The twentieth season of Strictly Come Dancing is launching on Friday (September 23) and will be followed by its first live show on Saturday (September 24). Fifteen celebrities have been perfecting their moves in order to impress the judges - and it will soon be time to put them to the test.