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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez sends three-word message to Helen Skelton as she's backed as winner

Gorka Marquez had three simple words for Helen Skelton as they give their all in the hope of making it to the Strictly Come Dancing final. The Spanish dancer and Countryfile host will perform not one but two routines during their appearance in the BBC One show's semi-final on Sunday night (December 11).

In another confusing move this series, the hit dance contest has been moved from its usual prime-time Saturday night slot due to coverage of the World Cup. If the show had gone ahead on Saturday night it would have clashed with England's quarter-final clash with France which saw the Three Lions crash out of the tournament.

But the change to the schedule, which was announced by co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last Saturday night when the show was moved, again for the football, also means that the results show will now take place 24 hours later than usual on Monday night (December 12).

READ MORE: Tess Daly 'ruins' BBC Strictly Come Dancing pretence as she looks 'gorgeous' while preparing for show 'first' during the semi-final

Following their near-perfect Couple's Choice last weekend, Helen Skelton and partner Gorka Marquez will go back out onto the floor with an Argentine Tango to 'Here Comes the Rain Again' by Eurythmics and a Waltz to 'Only One Road' by Celine Dion.

And ahead of their double performance - which will see them fighting for a place in the final against Will Mellor, Molly Rainford, Fleur East and Hamza Yassin - Helen shared a few snaps from her and Gorka's last saucy routine which got viewers hot under the collar. The judges were blown away when the pair performed a sizzling routine to Mein Herr from the musical Cabaret during the quarter-final.

Mum-of-three Helen looked sensational in a black corseted outfit with smokey eye makeup, dark lipstick and with her blonde hair worn slicked back. And Gorka went all out with his attire too, donning his own corseted number with additional smokey make-up.

Posting a string of photos from their routine on Sunday, Helen, 39 wrote: "SEMI FINALS DAY @gorka_marquez," before her dance partner, 32, was quick to reply: "Lets go Partner!!!" And the support carried on flooding in. Victoria Bye, the wife of Eastenders actor and Helen's Strictly co-star James, replied: "You got this missus."

TV star and former Strictly finalist Denise Van Outed said: "You’ll smash it." Professional dancer Katya Jones commented: "Bring it on!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see you dance." Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore replied: "Yes Helen!!" While ex-Emmerdale actress Natalie Anderson added: "Come on beauty!!!!!!"

And fans were also giving Helen their backing - and making calls for her to get through to the final. @lucyann_85 said: "You can do it @helenskelton show them what you’re made of. Helen and @gorka_marquez to win!!!" @cathbuzz39 commented: "Good luck Helen - you deserve to win."

@sonniives shared: "We’re all behind you Helen.. the glitter ball is in sight. You have done yourself proud and deserve to be in the final with the gorgeous Gorka!!! You go girl!!!" @hannah.ford.39 posted: "Can't wait to see you get through to the final. The farmy army are all cheering you on." @mark_mcfc_lawson added: "You're going to win this outright keep on believing."

Gorka has since shared his own post, showing the pair all glitzy and glamourous before their performance. "It’s the Semifinals tonight!!" the dad-of-one typed. All the hard work is done. Now it’s time to get on that floor and have the best time." He added: "Hope you guys enjoy our two dances, we’ve put all our heart into them. @helenskelton @bbcstrictly."

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