Gorka Marquez has received the firm backing of girlfriend Gemma Atkinson over his passionate speech in support of Strictly Come Dancing partner Helen Skelton, after the pro was brandeds "patronising" by Loose Women star Janet Street-Porter.
Since the new series kicked off in September, popular Strictly professional Gorka, who has reached the final with Alexandra Burke and Maisie Smith, has been working hard trying to get boost ex Blue Peter star Helen's confidence, after she fled rehearsals through a fire exit when the pressure of rehearsing for the first live show got too much.
He even took the drastic step of surrounding her with mirrors during training in week two, so that Helen had no other option but to look at herself. The couple have seen their scores and comments from the judges improve in recent weeks and on Saturday night they got 29 out of 40 for their paso doble.
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And, in the aftermath of the intense performance, Gorka interrupted host Claudia Winkleman to address the 'difficult time' Helen had been having, days after it was reported that ex husband Richie Myler was expecting a baby with his new girlfriend.
Putting a supportive arm around Helen, Gorka, who met Gemma when she starred on Strictly in 2017,. said: "Can I just say something? I know you've been having a difficult time and you've been...you may feel like you're not beautiful or good enough or anything, but if you don't believe in yourself, I believe in you; everybody here believes in you."
He then added: ""It doesn't matter how many times I say it, or the judges say it, it's only you who can make the change and is the one who can believe in you. You are an amazing woman, you're inspirational; an amazing mum and incredible dancer, so believe in yourself please."
While the emotional moment was panned by Loose Women star Janet who said she found it "uncomfortable" and should have been done "privately," former Hollyoaks star Gemma, who has a child with Gorka, gave her backing to her man and his dance partner. In a very public display of support.
Sharing a clip of Gorka's speech on her Instagram story, she wrote: "Absolutely what he said."
This week Helen will go back to her TV roots when she and Gorka perform a Charleston to the Blue Peter theme tune for Strictly's special in honour of the BBC's 100th birthday
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