Since Strictly Come Dancing began back in September, viewers have watched Helen Skelton grow in confidence, even her friends have noticed a huge change in her happiness.
The 39-year-old’s pal, Stevie Atkins, the wife of rugby player Ryan Atkins, has thanked the show for the positive impact they’ve had to Helen, after such a difficult period in her life.
Earlier in the year, the former Blue Peter presenter split with her ex-husband, Richie Myler of eight years, only a few weeks after their third child was born in December.
Stevie took to Twitter to praise Helen for her strength and kindness, as well as thank her dance partner Gorka Marquez for putting a smile back on Helen’s face.
She penned: “Think I will be forever grateful to @gorkamarquez1 and @bbcstrictly for helping put a smile back on my friend’s face.
“Nobody deserves it more than her, she never complains, she never gives up, she’s loyal, loving, fun, kind and incredibly humble. She deserves the world – nothing less!!”
Fans flooded the comments with messages of support for the Strictly finalist Helen, and said that she deserved to win the show.
One user tweeted: “Helen has been absolutely fabulous on Strictly and lovely to see her gain confidence as the series has gone on. I so hope she wins!”
“She’s had my vote from the start,” a second wrote, as a third agreed: “Helen and Gorka to win!"
Stevie replied to one of the messages, to say Helen had been a 'big cheerleader' in her life.
"It’s good to let the world know just how brilliant she really is," she added.
On Monday evening, Helen and Gorka found out they’d made it to the Strictly final along with Hamza Yassin and his partner Jowita Przystal and Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
Fleur East and Vito Coppola, also have a place after winning the tense dance off leaving actor Will Mellor to make a very teary exit from the show.
Throughout the competition, Helen has gone from strength to strength including dazzling fans in musicals week with a sultry couple’s choice to a song from Cabaret.
Many viewers coined it ‘the revenge routine’ as Helen looked sensational in black leotard and tights, and suggested the performance was a “major middle finger” to her ex-husband.
A fan said: “I think the nation just watched Helen Skelton say a huge f*** you to her ex-husband!” as another added: “Helen getting the ultimate revenge on her slimy ex… iconic behaviour!”
As a viewer declared: “One of the greatest things about #StrictlyComeDancing is watching a woman find herself again and that was absolutely awesome tonight Helen.”
