Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Helen Skelton feels different
Helen Skelton has admitted she feels like a ‘different person’ since taking part in Strictly Come Dancing following her split from ex-husband Richie Myler earlier this year.
The TV presenter, 39, was seen sobbing on Saturday’s episode of the show before taking to the dance floor with her professional partner Gorka Marquez, 32, to perform the samba.
She told Tricky Toes star Gorka how her dad Richard had said she seemed like herself again after giving her ‘best performance yet’ at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last week.
Tearful: Helen Skelton has tearfully admitted she feels like a ‘different person’ since taking part in Strictly Come Dancing following her split from ex-husband Richie Myler
Helen said, “He just looked at me and said, ‘You look like yourself again’ and I’m definitely a different person than when we started.”
She asked Gorka, “I think even you would say I’m a different person from day one, right?”
Helen was devastated in April this year when Richie, whom she married in 2013, left home just months after giving birth to their third child in December.
Hugging: The TV host, 39, was seen sobbing on the Saturday episode of the show before hitting the dance floor with her professional partner Gorka Marquez, 32 (pictured)
Rugby player Richie is now expecting his first child with girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, the daughter of the multimillionaire president of Leeds Rhinos.
On how her Strictly performances have helped her, Helen told the Mirror: ‘I’m definitely having fun, I just want to leave the dance floor with a smile on my face every week.
“The costume, make-up and hair are the best in the business. They all make you feel good, you look in the mirror and you look fantastic.’
Difficult: It comes after Helen recently opened up about how the end of her eight-year marriage to Richie left her ‘battle hardened’
Helen praised her “amazing hands-on” parents as she continues to juggle life as a single parent following her divorce from Richie.
The Countryfile presenter said ‘grandparents keep the economy going’ as she talked about how ‘easy’ they have made her life.
The mother-of-three moved back in with her parents Richard and Janet last month as she navigates parenthood, work and Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals.
Helen is mother to sons Louis, seven, Ernie, five, and daughter Elsie, eleven months, who she shares with her professional rugby player, Richie.
She said Closer magazine how she gets to “do all the fun stuff” with her kids while her parents take care of the practical side.
‘It’s the easiest parenting time of my life’: The mother of three, 39, moved back in with her parents Richard and Janet last month as she juggles parenting, work and strict rehearsals
She said, ‘My parents are great. It’s the easiest parenting time of my life because they are always on hand and do a lot for me. I’m pretty sure grandparents keep this economy going!”
‘My mother prepares the school uniform and makes sure that the homework is done. While I get to do all the fun things like take them to soccer and swimming and stuff. So it’s juggling, but in the end I feel like I’m really lucky.
“I’m really grateful that my parents do all the hard work there and that I get to do all the fun things.”
Twinkling stars: Helen got a total of 29 out of 40 points in Saturday’s love episode of Strictly
And Helen has included her kids in her Strictly experience, with the TV star telling the Mirror: ‘It’s nice to have the kids part of it.
‘They are very proud of me. The middle one definitely likes the jive, that’s his favourite.’
Helen got a total of 29 points out of 40 on Saturday’s live episode of Strictly, putting her close to the bottom of the standings over Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe, who scored 25 points.
Judge Anton Du Beke gave his comment, telling Helen and Gorka, “What I loved about this performance was I got you, we got Helen Skelton coming out to play… I feel the ladies with you going to talk about the leg action but well done.’
Craig Revel Horwood said, “It was very straight, it was very woody, it was square, there was no bounce but great personality.”
Praise: Judge Anton Du Beke gave his comments, telling Helen and Gorka, ‘What I loved about this performance was I got you, we got Helen Skelton to play’
Motsi Mabuse told them, ‘I saw so many details dancing in you, so that’s great, great. To be honest, what I’ve seen is that you put a lot of work into it and that’s the feeling of a Samba.’
And Shirley Ballas said, ‘I’ve been watching you from the very beginning and I’ve seen you come out here with this newfound confidence… I thought 75 percent you did a good Samba… I thought for a Because Samba is a difficult dance, you did well.’
Craig gave his marks and awarded a five, while Motsi, Shirley and Anton all gave eights. Their total score was 29.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Sunday at 6pm on BBC One.
STRICTLY COME DANCE 2022: WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so glad they have this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going from watching at home in my pajamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.”
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says: “Being asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says: “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor…with a side of sequins.”
ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
says Ellie: “Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins!” I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of Strictly 2022!”
TONY ADAMS MBE
Age: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the lure of salsa has led me to trade in my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly Soft Boots”
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: “I know it will be a huge challenge, but that’s what life is all about. This is also my mom’s favorite show and she’s had a rough few years so I’m doing this for her too. Bring it on!’
MOLLY RENFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Mollie says: “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family to share it with.”
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
Fleur says: “I am as nervous as I am excited to be part of this year’s Strictly lineup. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to savor every moment of this magical experience.”
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Professionn: Wildlife cameraman and broadcaster
Hamza says: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be in Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.”
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio channel
Helen says: ‘I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’
