Helen Skelton made her first public appearance on Thursday night since the news of her ex Richie Myler's new baby with his new girlfriend broke.
The Strictly Come Dancing star joined BBC2 spinoff Strictly It Takes Two to discuss her dance last weekend - and her upcoming 'passionate' Paso with professional dance partner Gorka Marquez.
Helen said she has been practicing her 'resting witch face' ahead of her next dance this Saturday, which she has assured viewers will be 'passionate'.
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It's the first time Helen has been on our screens since news of Richie Myler's new baby.
The former Leeds Rhinos rugby player, 32, broke up with ex-Blue Peter presenter Helen just four months after she gave birth to their third child, back in April. Richie's friends have said he's "thrilled" to be expecting with Stephanie as their newfound romance continues.
Helen, 39, is said to be keeping 'cordial relations' with her ex as she takes part in Strictly Come Dancing. She learned the news before the couple announced it on Instagram.
Richie's friend 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."
Talking to host Janette Manrara on Thursday night, Helen kept focused on her newfound dance stardom.
Janette said to her: "What a beautiful routine at the weekend, how did you enjoy it - did you enjoy it?"
Helen said: "Loved it, loved every second of it, I just... I'm grateful because Gorka put it together and made all the steps, I just had to dance it.
"He put that wig on and looked longingly at me there and how do you not laugh?"
Helen and Gorka danced to Grease for movie week and Janette Manrara asked Helen if she 'felt any pressure' to dance such a fan favourite.
Helen replied "I think it was more of an opportunity because you want a dance, and a song, and a character that people know.
It was the pair's best score of the series so far with 7/8/8/8 from the judges for a 31 overall.
"It was just nice to get an 8 and not to get a 5 from Craig," Helen said.
Gorka said: "Obviously I'm happy, it's the first week getting in the 30s, so it's good, it's week four this week so hopefully we keep going up and up and up. You don't want to go up too quick because then you come down faster."
Janette added: "It's getting real now, lots of people are leaving the competition. Were you super relieved that you got through on the Sunday show?"
At this point, Helen then discussed what it's been like losing friends throughout the contest.
Helen replied: "100% because nobody wants to go home and it's horrible when it's your friends and Kaye and everyone's friends but there's certain people that you really click with. And Kaye is someone I was best friends with and so was Richie and it's like 'oh who are they taking away now?', so we're just really grateful to everybody that voted."
The pair's next dance is a paso to a Spanish classic.
"I spend most of my life cheering, laughing and giggling but this is a totally different thing."
The pair then watched Helen training and Gorka jumped in screaming "That is very good! Look at that, it's very good! before high-fiving Helen and then slapping her leg in support."
"Wow, look at that support! Janette added.
Gorka then said: "It suits her and you can tell she loves the dance."
Helen talked about how she's going for a 'dirty look' witch face for a more passionate dance this weekend.
Helen said: "You know how some teenagers give you a really dirty look, or how if your mum gives you a look and it stops you dead in your tracks? I've been working on that. Resting witch face."
Janette then finished off the interview by telling her: "I can't wait to see this intense passionate version of Helen"
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 on Saturday, October 15.
Strictly It Takes Two returns every weekday on BBC2.
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