Helen Skelton has bid an early goodbye to the latest series of her hit Channel 5 show On The Farm, so she can focus on learning two new dances for this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing semi final.
Channel 5 viewers were delighted to see former Blue Peter star Helen back on screen on Monday night, when the much loved family show returned for a week long run of new episodes. As she returned to hosting duties alongside colleague Jules Hudson, Helen had to juggle her presenting commitments with learning both an Argentine Tango and a waltz for the Strictly semi, which will be on Sunday this week, rather than Saturday, although the BBC's decision to move it has proved to rather redundant, given that it will be ITV who show England v France in the World Cup and not them.
As she got ready to go live on On The Farm, Helen and her Strictly pro partner Gorka Marquez appeared on spin off show It Takes Two from a barn, as Gorka travelled up with Helen so they could get some practice in. Gorka even appeared on camera when the week's second episode of On The Farm went out on Tuesday night.
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But on Wednesday, Helen had some bad news for On The Farm fans as she revealed she won't be on the programme for the rest of the week. Opening up on her hectic schedule this week and thanking the team, she wrote: "When time is limited you get efficient! Thank you @daisybeckstudios for letting me turn up last minute so I can get home and learn a waltz this week... thanks for letting me bring @gorka_marquez along and thanks @therealjuliabradbury for stepping in and holding the fort for the rest of the week - you’re in good hands!"
Fans were quick to react to Helen, gutted about the fact she will be missing in action from the rest of On The Farm but also wishing her well for the weekend. One wrote: "we’ll miss you but it’s time to get that glitter ball trophy," with a second responding: "gonna miss you Helen, but looking forward to seeing you again on strictly."
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