Helen Skelton is all smiles in rehearsal for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.
The 39-year-old Countryfile star was confirmed as part of this year's lineup last month alongside Paralympian Ellie Simmonds and Loose Women's Kaye Adams. Helen said at the time that she was "really excited" to take part and to "get stuck into a fun adventure".
Speaking on ITV this week she said her mum are friends are "so excited", and she "loves the challenge". The mum-of-two, who split from husband and Leeds Rhino Richie Myler earlier this year, has been sharing small snippets of Strictly rehearsals on her social media.
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After weeks of training Helen said she is "in awe" at the BBC One show and has made "memories to last a life time". The former Blue Peter presenter shared a sweet video on her Instagram page, showcasing pictures of her with cast members.
Boasting a beaming smile, she was seen enjoying pizza backstage with comedian and actress Ellie, hanging out with Kym Marsh, and posing with Fleur East as some of the cast were taking a nap. Helen was also seen in the hair and makeup chair and stepped out onto the main stage.
Helen, who has previous dance training, has shared her gratitude after being invited to do the show. In an Instagram post she said: "Totally understand why people rave about being part of this show in the way they do. Smiles and laughter are infectious.
"Very grateful to be part of the class of '22' still in awe this is technically work. For however long it lasts I have already made memories to last a lifetime."
Helen's happy post came after she was subject to criticism earlier this week for taking part in the show. Some claimed she has an unfair advantage due to having previous dancing experience during childhood.
Speaking to Lorraine Kelly on Lorraine, she was asked: "When you were wee you did a bit of tap dancing, is that going to help in any way at all?"
Helen replied: "Oh I found it so funny, do you mean when they said 'Fix, Helen is a tap dancing champion' and I was like 'When I was seven, yes' I did tap dancing."
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 airs on BBC One on Saturday September 17.
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