Helen Skelton has fully immersed herself into this year's Strictly Come Dancing, and is relishing every moment with her dance partner Gorka Marquez.MORE: Strictly's Jayde Adams praises 'confident independent' Helen Skelton after candid confessionHowever, her decision to compete in this year's series took some convincing. The 39-year-old - who split from her husband Richie Myler in April - was encouraged to take part thanks to one friend.WATCH: Helen Skelton shares behind-the-scenes glimpse of hilarious Strictly rehearsalIn an extremely candid interview with The Telegraph, the Countryfile presenter shared: "I was talking to my best friend about it and I was like, 'I'm not sure, there's the kids and the press and it will be full-on.'MORE: Helen Skelton addresses split during Lorraine Kelly interviewSEE: 10 cutest photos of Helen Skelton's three children"And she just went, 'You're going to get paid to dance around with a fit guy, people are going to put makeup on you, and you’ve got to work.
Helen Skelton's Strictly Diary: 'My body is sore, my feet are raw – but I'm loving it'
30.09.2022 - 19:35 / msn.com
really pleased with last week’s dance, though obviously there’s room for improvement, and I was really grateful the judges gave me positive feedback and things I can work on. Ultimately I was happy that Gorka Márquez, my professional partner, was happy. He’s put in so many hours and, above being a great teacher, he’s been a really great pal, so I will be forever thankful to him and his family.
The performance side is alien to me, but he and his partner, Gemma Atkinson, have been so supportive. It’s helpful she’s done the show as a celebrity, so she understands the process. So far it’s just been a real good laugh.
There are so many interesting characters on and off screen and for me getting to know everyone is part of the joy. Among the celebs, I seem to have taken on the role of social secretary in that I say where people are having drinks – I don’t want anyone to feel left out. People imagine you’re locked away in London while you’re training, but it’s not the case.
Four days a week, we train five minutes from my home and Gorka travels up. The lovely thing is that I can still have a normal family life – Gorka has young children too, so the first thing we do is get a coffee and talk about whose child has been up most of the night. It helps me keep perspective – I could get stressed out about the steps and the routine, but to be honest I have enough to distract me, such as have I packed the right PE kit for the right child that morning?People keep asking me if I am eating loads but it’s not something I think about.
Helen Skelton staying with parents after moving out of home she shared with Richie Myler
Helen Skelton is living with her parents after having moved out of her family home she used to share with estranged husband Richie Myler in Leeds. Helen, 39, and rugby star Richie, 32, share three children together, and announced the devastating news earlier this year that they were ending their relationship after almost 10 years of marriage. In light of this, Helen has moved back to her parents farm in the Lake District.
Strictly's Helen Skelton makes rare comment about the pressures of being a working single mother
Helen Skelton may be enjoying her time on Strictly Come Dancing, but the Countryfile star has admitted juggling life as a single mum can have its moments.MORE: Strictly's Gorka Marquez message to Helen Skelton as she admits 'what a week'Appearing on Lorraine on Monday, the 39-year-old presenter - who has three children with her ex-husband Richie Myler - was asked how she balances, "me time and work".WATCH: Gemma Atkinson responds after fiancé Gorka Marquez's comments on Helen SkeltonHelen replied: "Of course I struggle. I lump work into 'me time'.
Strictly's Gemma Atkinson responds after fiancé Gorka Marquez's comments on Helen Skelton
Helen Skelton has had a challenging year after splitting up from her husband, rugby player Richie Myler, who is now expecting a baby with his new partner.Mum-of-three Helen has embraced her time on Strictly, though, including pulling off an impressive Paso Doble with her dance partner Gorka Marquez on Saturday night.SEE: Strictly's Gemma Atkinson teased over second pregnancy by close friendThe dancer paid a heartfelt tribute to Helen following their performance, encouraging her to believe in herself and praising her for being a lovely person and an "amazing" mum.The Spaniard was praised on social media for his kind words, and his fiancée, former Strictly contestant Gemma Atkinson, later took to Instagram to share her feelings.WATCH: Gemma Atkinson responds after fiancé Gorka Marquez's comments on Helen SkeltonVia her Instagram Stories, the star shared a clip of Gorka gushing about the Countryfile presenter, adding a gif of hands clapping and the words: "Absolutely!!!! What he said!!!"MORE: Ola and James Jordan's Strictly verdict: Hamza's perfect Salsa, Helen's unfair scores and the next celebrity exitPHOTOS: Inside Strictly pro Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson's luxurious family homeBefore the judges revealed the pair's scores, Gorka sweetly said: "Can I just say something? I know you have been having a difficult time and I know you've been made to feel like you're not beautiful, or good enough, or anything but if you don't believe in yourself, I believe in you. Gemma applauded her fiancé's words"Everybody here believes in you.
Strictly's Helen Skelton speaks out after partner Gorka told her to 'believe in yourself'
Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton has spoken out after her professional dance parter Gorka Márquez told her to "believe in yourself". He made the comments on Saturday night's show, after the pair impressed the judges with their Paso Doble routine. Gorka, 32, asked if he could quickly say something to his partner after the judges comments, when the pair were speaking and he made Helen, 39, emotional as he praised her.
Strictly's Helen Skelton says she's 'having a blast' just days after ex's baby news
Helen Skelton showcased her fighting spirit on Friday, just days after her ex-husband Richie Myler announced his baby news with girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill.MORE: Strictly's Helen Skelton left baffled as son Ernie is caught doing something he shouldn'tTaking to Instagram, the Countryfile presenter posted a care-free video of herself dancing candidly on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. The spirited presenter looked overjoyed as she performed a series of lively dance moves ahead of Saturday's show.WATCH: Helen Skelton dazzles in glitter-clad jumpsuit for Strictly revealAlongside the sweet clip, Helen included the caption: "That time of the week… When the hard work gets taken to the dance floor @bbcstrictly Thank you for keeping us in so far… We're having a blast". MORE: Strictly star Helen Skelton's ex-husband expecting baby with new girlfriend – six months after splitREAD: Helen Skelton fans all saying same thing about her Strictly partneringThe star's supportive fans flooded the comment section with an array of kind messages.
Gemma Atkinson shares her plans for 'low stress registry office wedding' with Gorka
Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez have been together for almost five years, and got engaged on Valentine’s Day last year. But when we ask Gemma about their wedding plans, it’s fair to say the couple are decidedly laid-back. "There have been a few times now where we’ve driven past a registry office and said, ‘Shall we just go in and do it? Yeah, let’s do it!’" says Gemma, 37.
Strictly’s Helen Skelton collapses on floor after gruelling rehearsal with partner Gorka Marquez
Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton looked visibly exhausted after a sweaty dance rehearsal with pro partner Gorka Márquez.The Countryfile presenter, 39, appeared to have collapsed on the floor while practicing her Cha Cha – but thankfully managed a reassuring thumbs up to indicate she wasn't doing too badly. In the video shared on Gorka's Instagram, Helen and her pro partner could be seen joking about their tough schedule, which included appearing on ITV's Lorraine at 9.30am the next morning.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton say she's 'trying to be sexy' as she shows sore feet in training
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.