Strictly’s Helen Skelton horrified as Gorka discusses her 'difficult time' live on air

Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skleton and Gorka Marquez have 'grown incredibly close' over the past few weeks, according to a body language expert.

Helen Skelton has broken her silence after her dance partner Gorka Marquez jumped to her defence and paid her an emotional tribute during the latest Strictly Come Dancing live show. The Countryfile host looked panic-stricken when the Spanish dancer halted proceedings to have his say.

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.

Gorka Marquez called a halt to Saturday night's live Strictly Come Dancing to plead with celeb dance partner Helen Skelton to 'believe in you'. In emotional scenes Gorka took time out to praise former BBC presenter Helen as he addressed the 'difficult time' she's been having.

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 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 Come Dancing fans were left feeling emotional after Gorka Márquez sweetly reassured his celebrity partner Helen Skelton on tonight's show. Gorka, 32, and Helen, 39, performed an incredible Paso Doble which saw them win huge praise from judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood. After receiving their scores, host Claudia Winkleman began chatting to the pair and Gorka soon asked if she could quickly say something to his partner.

Strictly in the first place was to have fun, so I’m really pleased with how our Cha Cha Cha went last week, especially after a hideous dress-rehearsal on the Saturday afternoon. My professional partner Gorka Márquez’s approach is for me to not get hung up on the little things and to just have a good time. When we finished our dance we were the happiest out of the lot of us.