Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Helen Skelton feels like a ‘different person’

Helen Skelton has admitted she feels like a ‘different person’ since taking part in Strictly Come Dancing following her split from her ex-husband Richie Myler earlier this year.

The television presenter, 39, was seen sobbing during Saturday’s episode of the show before she took to the dance floor with her professional partner Gorka Marquez, 32, to perform the Samba.

She told twinkle-toed star Gorka how her father Richard had said she seemed like herself again after she gave 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 her ex-husband Richie Myler

Helen said: ‘He just looked at me and said ‘you seem like you again’ and I’m certainly 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 left devastated in April this year when Richie, who she married in 2013, moved out of their family home just months after she gave birth to their third child in December.

Hugging it out: The television presenter, 39, was seen sobbing during Saturday’s episode of the show before she took to 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 multi-millionaire president of Leeds Rhinos.

On how her Strictly performances have helped her, Helen told the Mirror: ‘I am definitely having a good time, I just want to come off the dance floor every week with a smile on my face.

‘The costume, the make-up and the hair are all the best in the business. They all make you feel good, you look in the mirror and look incredible.’

Tough: 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 split from Richie.

The Countryfile presenter said ‘grandparents keep the economy running’ as she opened up 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 parenting, with 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 told Closer magazine how she ‘gets to do all the fun stuff’ with her children while her parents take on the practical side.

‘It’s the easiest parenting time of my life’: The mum-of-three, 39, moved back in with her parents Richard and Janet last month as she juggles parenting, work and Strictly rehearsals

She said: ‘My parents are amazing. It’s the easiest parenting time of my life because they’re on-hand all the time, doing loads for me. I’m pretty sure that grandparents keep this economy running!’  

‘My mum gets the school uniform ready, making sure that the homework is out. Where as I get to do all the fun bits, like taking them to football and swimming and all of that. So it is a juggle but ultimately I feel like I’m really lucky.

‘I’m really grateful that I’ve got my parents there doing all the hard work and I’m getting to do all the fun stuff.’

Twinkle-toed stars: Helen was awarded a total of 29 points out of 40 on Saturday’s love episode of Strictly

And Helen has been including her children in her Strictly experience, with the TV star telling the Mirror: ‘It’s nice to make the kids a part of it.

‘They are very proud of me. The middle one is definitely into the jive, that’s his favourite.’

Helen was awarded a total of 29 points out of 40 on Saturday’s live episode of Strictly, placing her close to the bottom of the leaderboard above Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe, who scored 25 points.

Giving his comments, judge Anton Du Beke told Helen and Gorka: ‘What I loved about this performance was I got you, we got Helen Skelton coming out to play… I can feel the ladies are going to talk to you about the leg action but well done.’  

Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘It was very straight, it was very wooden, it was square, there was no bounce but fantastic personality.’

Praise: Giving his comments, judge Anton Du Beke told Helen and Gorka: ‘What I loved about this performance was I got you, we got Helen Skelton coming out to play’

Motsi Mabuse told them: ‘I saw so many details in your dancing, so that’s a great, great thing. What I did see honestly is that you guys put a lot of work in there and that is the feeling of a Samba.’

And Shirley Ballas said: ‘I’ve watched you from the very beginning and I’ve seen you come out here with this newfound confidence… I though for 75 per cent, you did a good Samba… I thought for a Samba being a difficult dance, you did it well.’

Giving his marks, Craig awarded a five, while Motsi, Shirley and Anton all awarded eights. Their total score was 29.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Sunday on BBC One at 6pm. 

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH

Age: 46

Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter

Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’

ELLIE SIMMONDS 

Age: 27

Profession: Former athlete 

Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to 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

Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon 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 call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’

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 Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’

 MOLLY RAINFORD

 Age: 21

Profession: Singer 

Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’

FLEUR EAST

Age: 34 

Profession: Singer

Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

 HAMZA YASSIN

Age: 35

Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter

Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining 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 broadcaster

Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’