Helen Skelton boasted about winning the 2000 Ken Dodd Tap Dancing Award in a resurfaced interview, it has been claimed but now insists she can’t dance.
The presenter, 39, is set to appear on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing after splitting from her rugby player husband Richie Myler, 32, earlier this year.
She said on BBC Radio 5 Live last week: “People keep saying, ‘Can you dance?’ and I say, “No,” because isn’t the point of learning to dance?’
Talented: Helen Skelton ‘bragged about winning the Ken Dodd Tap Dancing Award in a resurfaced interview’ … but insists she can’t dance after signing up for Strictly (pictured in the ’00s)
But when the ex-Blue Peter star was asked to reveal a personal fact in an interview in 2016, he reportedly proudly replied: “I won a Ken Dodd tap dancing award when I was 17.”
She added in the resurfaced chat, according to The Sun: “Not many people know this but I’m very good at tap dancing. People are often amazed that I can tap-dance.”
Helen reportedly devoted her childhood to dance training and even received top marks from the strict judges during her performance in the 2012 Christmas special.
She had competed in All I Want for Christmas Is You alongside Russian pro Artem Chigvintsev and was awarded 37 out of 40 points by the jury.
Wow! Helen reportedly devoted her childhood to dance training and even received top marks from the strict judges during her performance in the 2012 Christmas special
Ken, best known for his Diddy Men cartoons, died in 2018 at the age of 90. The International Dance Teachers’ Association counted him among its patrons.
And in honor of his agent, Keith McAndrews, he contributed two special awards for male and female nominees in the tap category at the organization’s International Theater Dance Awards.
Helen’s representatives have been contacted by Web for comment.
Given that she once penned a guide on how to take care of her, Helen should be able to look her best in the dance program.
Ex: The 39-year-old presenter is set to star on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing after splitting from her rugby player husband Richie Myler, 32, earlier this year
The former CBBC presenter took part in a series of grueling, all-action activities such as marathons and mountain climbing, which made her a self-care expert.
She wrote: “My feet were probably the most important piece of equipment I had so taking care of them was important.”
Her use of bladder pads and duct tape helped her win the 2009 Namibian ultramarathon, which is 78 miles long, she wrote in her 2019 book Wild Girl.
She recalled, “My blisters were so big the race doctor had to pierce them with a scalpel… I thought about telling people I failed. And that hurt more than my feet.”
Helen went on to claim that her nails “just fell off my toes” due to the effects of the marathon.
She added: It didn’t hurt, but it looked awful. I was pretty proud of what I had been through, so I scared people by asking them if they could guess what I was hiding in my purse. Do not judge me. After all that running, I deserve some fun.”
It follows reports that Helen signed up for Strictly after her estranged husband Richie shared a loved-up snap with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill.
New wife: It follows reports that Helen signed up for Strictly after her estranged husband Richie shared a loved-up snap with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill (pictured)
Richie took to Instagram with his new love, 32, earlier this month as they enjoyed a romantic getaway in Cornwall.
Helen announced her split from the rugby star in April – four months after they gave birth to their third child together.
A source told The Mirror that signing up to Strictly would give her a boost, adding: “Marriage breakdown is hard to deal with and Helen has understandably found it difficult. Being on Strictly will no doubt restore her confidence.’
Speaking of the glamorous side of Strictly, Helen said: “Most moms go to work and every mom who has the opportunity to go to work gets her makeup done, her tea made and something fun to learn… I thought that’s not a gift true?’
The Countryfile presenter revealed on her first BBC Radio 5 show since the announcement: “The thing that makes me nervous… I agreed a few days ago and people keep saying, ‘Can you dance?’
“And I say no because it’s not the point to learn to dance?”
STRICTLY COM DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
KYM SWAMP
Age: 46
Occupation: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says, “I’m so happy they made it this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’ll be watching from home in my pajamas and actually dancing in front of the judges in a glitter dress.
RICHIE ANDERSON
Age: 34
Profession: radio presenter
Richie says: “This is a dream come true! I can’t wait to slip on these glitters and sequins and dance the world’s most famous dance floor!’
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says, “Being asked to join 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 get some serious dancing on this shiny dance floor…with a side full of sequins.”
ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38
Occupation: comedian
Ellie says, “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
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the allure of the sequins and the reputation of salsa make me trade in my battered old football boots for a pair of Strictly Soft shoes.”
JAMES Bye
Age: 38
Occupation: EastEnders actor
James says, “I’m not known for my flapping or sparkling toes — in fact, my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing, but it’s an honor to be asked and I’ll do my best.”
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio station
Helen says: “I’m really looking forward to embarking on a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: actor
Will says: “I know it’s going to be a big challenge, but that’s what life is about. It’s my mom’s favorite show too and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing it for her too. Bring it on!’
KAYE ADAMS
Age: 59
Profession: TV presenter
Kaye says: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties unforgettable and I can’t think of a better way than to show the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’
JAYDE ADAMS
Age: 37
Occupation: comedian
Jayde says, “I’ve been a huge fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and can’t believe I manifested this.
Matt GOSS
Age: 53
Profession: singer
Matt says: “I was retired, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought it was time for me to come home and get out of my way.
MOLLY RAINFOORD
Age: 21
Profession: singer
Molly 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 who I’ll be sharing it with.”
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: singer
Fleur says, “I’m equally nervous and excited to be a part of this year’s Strictly line-up. I look forward to learning new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Profession: wildlife cameraman and moderator
Hamza says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be on Strictly 2022. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be on such a cool show.”