Helen Skelton has praised families for "holding down the fort" as the new season of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off. The Countryfile presenter, who is partnered with professional dancer Gorka Marquez, made her debut on the BBC series this weekend.
The competition returned for 2022 with the launch show on Friday, September 23 and then again on Saturday, September 24 for the very first live episode. Helen and Gorka were awarded 26 points by the judges, which placed them in the top half of the leaderboard.
Following the first dance, which saw Helen and Gorka take on the American Smooth, Helen shared a sweet message on Instagram. The 39-year-old thanked her professional partner for getting her on the dance floor, and made a sweet nod to the families "holding down the fort" behind the scenes.
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Posting a picture of herself and Gorka on the dance floor, she wrote: "Credit where it's due … this one @gorka_marquez deserves kudos for not only getting me around the dance floor …. But on it in the first place. Grateful Mr M. You're a master at your craft and a belter of a pal."
Helen added: "To all the families holding down the fort behind the scenes…. We are grateful. Pretty sure I will owe my parents Christmas in the Caribbean by time this is over."
Friends and fans were quick to react to her post, with Gorka responding: "It's all down to you and your hard work! So proud." While actress and former Strictly star Catherine Tyldesley wrote: "You were incredible."
During her introduction on Friday night, host Tess Daly asked Helen how she felt about facing Craig Revel Horwood. Helen responded: "I've got three little kids so I don't think there's any tantrum you can throw at me that I haven't already seen."
When asked what was important for her in a dance partner she said: "They need to be fun, patient, they probably need to be good with dogs and kids and understand a Northern accent!"
Helen shares her three children with her ex Richie Myler. Helen announced back in April that her and Richie's eight-year marriage had ended, four months after she gave birth to their third child. He's now in a new relationship. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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