Strictly Come Dancing 2022 kicked off with its first live show on Saturday night (September 24) and Helen Skelton and her professional partner Gorka Marquez won hearts while scoring 26 points. After the former Blue Peter presenter made her dancing debut on the BBC dance contest her ex Richie Myler shared photos of himself and new partner Stephanie Thirkill on his Instagram.
The Leeds Rhinos rugby player posted about 'family' on his Instagram as he shared a picture of himself and Stephanie with family including her father Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill. He gushed: "Finished this season as a family", and drew a heart.
Richie, 32, also re-posted a selfie shared by Stephanie after his final Leeds Rhinos game of the rugby league season. His girlfriend penned: "Wasn't a win but couldn't be more proud of this one. Grand Final at Old Trafford and a great game for you. Love you so much @richiemyler" and he added: "Love you."
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Countryfile presenter Helen, 39, announced back in April that their eight year marriage had ended, four months after she gave birth to their third child. Helen and Richie welcomed their baby daughter Elsie Kate on December 28. They also have two young sons Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.
Richie went Instagram official with Stephanie when they attended Wimbledon together this summer. "Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple," Helen wrote on social media back in April. "He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children."
The emotional message was accompanied with two broken heart emojis. Richie played for the Widnes Vikings in the Championship, and the Salford City Reds in the Championship and the Super League. He also played for the Warrington Wolves and the Catalans Dragons in the Super League.
While presenting Blue Peter for five years she took part in the Namibia Ultra Marathon, cycled to the South Pole and kayaked the entire 2000-mile length of the River Amazon for Sport Relief, an achievement which earned her two entries in the Guinness World Records — for the longest solo journey by kayak, and the longest distance by a woman in a kayak in 24 hours.
She is also known for presenting BBC One show Countryfile and covering major sporting events for BBC Sport. She’s also presented the series On The Farm for Channel 5 and stood in for Dermot O’Leary and OJ Borg on BBC Radio 2.
After their debut on Strictly Come Dancing, performing the American Smooth to Aretha Franklin's You Send Me, she was advised to "own it" by Anton Du Beke. And pro dance partner Gorka Marquez said her confidence at the moment 'is not great.'
He said: "She's great but she just needs to believe." He continued: "Her confidence at the moment is not great. But she just needs to believe in herself and believe she can do it because I think she has a lot of potential and she's a beautiful dancer. I believe in her."
And Helen joked: "I kept trying to leave." Ahead of their debut Gorka's fiancé Gemma Atkinson sent some bolstering words for Helen and to her man.
Sharing a photo of the smiling pair on her Instagram she typed: "C’mon!!! Cannot wait to see your beautiful dance guys! Go out there and shine Helen! You’re gonna have the most Amazing time on Strictly!" She added: "Will be rooting for you both @gorka_marquez @helenskelton."
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