Countryfile star and Strictly Come Dancing Contestant Helen Skelton has said she is 'trying to be sexy' but is struggling with sore feet after all of the dancing she is doing during training. The host is currently in the middle of training for week two of the competition which will be aired on BBC One this weekend.
The hit show, which features celebrities dancing, returned last weekend with a double episode. Helen and Gorka Marquez were paired together as well as with 15 other celebrities and dancers as Strictly began its 20th season last week, reports the Manchester Evening News.
And the new dancing couple got off to a strong start with their debut performance, an American Smooth to Aretha Franklin's You Send Me, which saw them awarded a score of 26 by the judges - Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
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On Monday, Gorka shared a glimpse inside rehearsals as they wrapped up day one working on their new routine. "Day one, week two finito," the dancer, who lives in Greater Manchester, said as Helen chipped in: "This is a real gear change this dance." As he asked how her brain is, Helen replied: "On fire..."
"I don't even know my own name anymore," she added as Gorka replied with a laugh: "It's Helen!" But she said: "I thought it wasn't. I thought it was someone who's sexy and sassy," suggesting they have a more energetic number this week. "We cannot tell you which dance we are doing yet but it's going to be fun" Gorka, 34, added.
It has since been revealed that the pair will be performing a Cha Cha Cha to Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande's track 'Rain On Me' this Saturday, October 1, with the show seeing the public vote open for the first time before the first elimination on Sunday night.
But now it appears it's not just Helen's brain that is on fire as she offered an update at the end of training on Tuesday night (September 27). The TV star, 39, took to Instagram with a picture of shoe-less feet in the training room with a hint of her purple gym leggings peeking through.
"And the aim of the game is to be sexy..." she wrote over the image. "Not with these trotters #NoPainNoGain." And it's not just pain in Helen's feet as she also appears to have pain in the form of Gorka being a bit of a prankster. Posting a smiling selfie of the pair on Instagram, Helen said: " Feet on fire and head exploding but loving every second of this journey…."
She then went on to say, including a video of the Spanish dancer's antics: "Somehow @gorka_marquez finding time to prank everyone - thank god there’s room laugh." She added: "It’s been a big old week of training so far and still a lot to do ….. here’s to the feet and hips doing what the boss says."
But fans were quick to flood her with support. @friedonionrings_fav said: "You go, girl!! Enjoy and sparkle." @jocastle76 shared: "Good luck Helen, if it's as good as your dance last week you'll smash it."@malsiewhittington1980 commented: "So good to see you are enjoying the moment. Good luck on your strictly journey." @smileyme05 added: "You need some fun in your life Helen, you go smash it girl, I'm rooting for you."
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