Helen Skelton has admitted she feels like a “different person” since taking part in Strictly Come Dancing after splitting from ex-husband Richie Myler earlier this year.
The 39-year-old TV presenter was seen sobbing during the show’s Saturday episode before taking to the dance floor with her professional partner Gorka Marquez, 32, to perform the samba.
She told glitzy star Gorka how her father Richard had said she was looking like herself after giving her “best performance yet” at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom last week.
Tearful: Helen Skelton has tearfully admitted she has felt 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 seem like you again’ and I’m certainly a different person than when I 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, moved out of their family homes just months after the birth of their third child in December.
Hug: The 39-year-old TV presenter was spotted sobbing during Saturday’s 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, daughter of multi-millionaire Leeds Rhinos president.
Helen told the Mirror how her Strictly performances have helped her: “I’m definitely having a good time. I just want to walk off the dance floor every week with a smile on my face.
“The costume, makeup and hair are the best in the business. They all make you feel good. “You look in the mirror and you look amazing.”
Tough: It comes after Helen recently spoke candidly about how the end of her eight-year marriage to Richie has made her “battle hardened”.
Helen has praised her “amazing hands-on” parents as she continues to juggle life as a single mom following her split from Richie.
The Countryfile presenter said “grandparents make the economy run” as she discussed how “easily” they’ve made their lives.
The mother-of-three moved back in with her parents Richard and Janet last month while she’s juggling work and rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing.
Helen is a mother to sons Louis, seven, Ernie, five, and daughter Elsie, eleven months, with whom she shares with professional rugby player Richie.
She told Closer magazine how she can “do all the fun stuff” with her kids while her parents take care of the practical side.
‘It’s the easiest parental leave of my life’: The 39-year-old mother-of-three moved back in with parents Richard and Janet last month as she balances parenting, work and rigorous rehearsals
She said: “My parents are amazing. It’s the easiest parental leave of my life because they’re there all the time and do a lot for me. I’m pretty sure grandparents keep this economy going!’
“My mother gets the school uniform ready and makes sure the homework is out. Where I can do all the fun things like take them to soccer and swimming and all that. So it’s a juggling, but ultimately I feel like I’m really lucky.
“I’m really thankful that my parents do all the hard work and I get to do all the fun stuff.”
Twinkle-toed stars: Helen was awarded a total of 29 out of 40 in Strictly’s love episode on Saturday
And Helen has included her children in her Strictly experience, with the TV star telling the Mirror: “It’s nice to have the kids a part of it.
“They are very proud of me. The middle one is definitely into jive, that’s his favorite.”
Helen earned a total of 29 points out of 40 in Saturday’s Strictly love episode, placing her just bottom of the rankings ahead of Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe, who scored 25 points.
Judge Anton Du Beke told Helen and Gorka: “What I loved about that performance was that I got you, we had Helen Skelton come out to play… I can feel the ladies are over the leg with you.” action, but well done.’
Craig Revel Horwood said, “It was very straight, it was very wooden, it was square, there was no crack but a fantastic personality.”
Praise: Judge Anton Du Beke told Helen and Gorka: “What I loved about that performance was that I got you, we got Helen Skelton out to play.”
Motsi Mabuse told them: “I’ve seen so many details in your dancing, so that’s a great, great thing. What I’ve seen honestly is that you guys put a lot of work into it and that’s the feel of a samba.’
And Shirley Ballas said: “I’ve watched you from the start and seen you come here with this new found confidence… I thought you did 75 percent good samba… I thought for a da samba a difficult dance.” is, you did well.’
When giving out his grades, Craig gave it a five while Motsi, Shirley and Anton all gave eight. Her total score was 29.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Sunday at 6pm on BBC One.
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.
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
Age: 55
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.”
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!’
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.”
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.