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Simon Duke

Strictly's Gorka Marquez backs Helen Skelton after her victory without him

Gorka Marquez has taken time to congratulate Helen Skelton, after she won the opening night of the Strictly Come Dancing tour without him on Friday night.

And Gorka’s support for Helen came right before he had an announcement of his own, revealing to fans that fiancée Gemma Atkinson is expecting their second child together.

There was widespread disappointment amongst Strictly fans in December when the line-up for the show’s live tour was confirmed in full and Gorka wasn’t on it. Helen’s name was on the list, but where many expected Gorka’s to be, Kai Widdrigton’s name was there instead.

READ MORE: Helen Skelton finally gets Strictly win with new partner

Over the last few weeks Gorka has been giving public displays of support for Helen and Kai with various Instagram comments and, ahead of the tour starting on Friday night, he made a post wishing all of the celebs and pros good luck.

And then, after Helen and Kai triumphed on night one at the Utilita Arena, he shared a photo of their winning moment on his Instagram story, adding an applause emoji.

Gorka’s reaction to Helen and Kai’s win came hours after he shared a photo of Gemma, who he already has daughter Mia with and her baby bump on his Insta grid, writing: “Our baby boy will be joining our family later this year.

"We feel so incredibly blessed and Grateful to be on this journey again. Mia is absolutely thrilled! Although we may need to do some negotiating on names, as so far she’s adamant he’s going to be called Barbie."

*Strictly's Kai Widdrington starts tour rehearsals after replacing co-star in partner 'twist'

*Strictly's Helen Skelton starts tour rehearsals as Gorka Marquez absence upsets fans

*Lulu at centre of Masked Singer voting row after early exit

*Giovanni Pernice recruits Strictly co-star for his own tour

*Vera new series guest stars confirmed as Holby City legend and Game of Thrones star join cast.

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