The thrill of joining Strictly has put a skip back in Helen Skelton’s life after her marriage break-up.
The presenter split from rugby player husband Richie Myler just months before joining the show and she threw herself into the BBC competition.
And mum-of-three Helen just loves showing off all her fancy footwork, saying: “I am beaming from ear to ear.”
The 39-year-old former Blue Peter and Countryfile host added: “I am definitely having a good time. I just want to come off the dance floor every week with a smile on my face.
“The costume, the make-up and the hair are all the best in the business. They all make you feel good. “You look in the mirror and look incredible.”
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In April, Helen and Leeds Rhinos player Richie, 32, announced they were calling time on their eight-year marriage.
It came just four months after the couple welcomed their third child, daughter Elsie.
In a further blow to Helen, in October it was revealed that Richie and new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkhill, 32, were expecting a baby.
Strictly has proved to be the perfect distraction after such a difficult year.
Not one to shirk from a challenge, Helen has been known to push her body to the limits. In 2009, she became only the second woman ever to finish the 78-mile Namibian ultra-marathon.
And the following year, Helen kayaked the entire 2000-mile length of the River Amazon for Sport Relief.
Helen says: “All the things I have done before have definitely helped prepare me for Strictly. “
It has always been about pushing myself and challenging myself.
“The difference now is I am 39 and not 29, so I know nothing lasts forever and I am able to enjoy it more than anything before.
“It is good to get out of your comfort zone. That is what I have always done.
“I’m not a kayaker but I broke kayaking records.
“Strictly is the same. It’s all about giving something a go. Even if you find something scary, then do it anyway.”
Immersing herself in the Strictly way of life, Helen says her children – Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and Elsie, one – are enjoying coming along for the ride.
“It’s nice to make the kids a part of it,” she said.
“They are very proud of me. The middle one is definitely into the jive, that’s his favourite.
“He’s made me video him a few times. All the kids have been dancing and enjoying it.”
This week, Helen and pro partner Gorka Marquez, 32, did the samba to Eso Beso by Emma Bunton, saying it was one of their favourite dances yet.
“It has been nice to do something with a bit of cheekiness this week,” said Helen.
Having got to this stage of the competition, does she think she can go all the way and take home the glitterball trophy?
“Last week was the closest I have felt to being a dancer,” she beamed.
“The kids think we are going to win. They have given us lots of confidence. I am trying not to think about it.”
Looking ahead to life after Strictly, it sounds like her new friends are getting ready to swap sequins for wellies and get stuck in on the farm that she grew up on, and recently moved back to, in Cumbria.
“The amount of dancers who are asking me to come to the farm!” she smiled.
Gorka added: “It’ll be Strictly Come Farming!”
