Gorka Marquez called a halt to a live segment of Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing to plead with Helen Skelton to 'believe in herself' as he addressed the 'difficult time' she's been having.
Former Blue Peter host Helen has been the first to admit that she's been battling a distinct lack of self confidence during her time on Strictly so far, both in the training in the lead up to the first live show last month and in weekly rehearsals. Things got so bad before the first live show that she even fled the dance studio through a fire exit, before Gorka had to talk her into coming back in, as Helen was left in tears.
Since then he has tried to 'force' her to have more confidence in herself by taking the drastic step in rehearsals of surrounding her with mirrors, so she had no choice but to look at herself. Gorka and Helen's Strictly scores have been on an upward climb and on Saturday night they performed a paso doble in a bid to keep that trend going.
READ MORE: Gorka Marquez 'swaps' Strictly dance partner after score boost
After receiving their comments from the judges, the couple joined host Claudia Winkleman and it was then that Gorka took the opportunity to address the confidence issues Helen has been having. Just as Helen was paying tribute to her mum and dad, Gorka stepped in and, with his arm around her, the former finalist said: "
Claudia then interrupted: "We all believe in you," as Helen's Strictly co-stars cheered around her, forcing her to cower away in embarrassment.
Gorka 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."
This week it was reported that Richie Myler, Helen's ex husband, is expecting a child with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill. A source told The Sun: "The timing of the pregnancy may raise a few eyebrows though. It is obviously such a huge step, and one made remarkably quickly off the back of Helen and Richie's eight-year marriage ending. But Richie and Helen maintain cordial relations, and in a way the timing is actually perfect as Helen is so happy at the moment.”
READ NEXT:
