Strictly's Helen Skelton's 'romantic' dance with Gorka as Motsi points out reaction Helen couldn't hide

It's the big week - the semi final of Strictly Come Dancing 2022 where five couples battled it out for the chance to bag a place in the final.

Helen Skelton once again pulled out a "gorgeous" performance and impressed the judges. The TV presenter, who has a house in Yorkshire, beamed during her dance while wearing a floaty white dress embellished with gold sparkles.

After performing well during Blackpool week the pressure was on to once again score high. "It's now or never," Helen said ahead of her performance.

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing Gorka Marquez issues three-word inspirational message to Helen Skelton

The Winter On The Farm host's performance was described by judges as "magic" and landed her an impressive score of 36 out of a possible 40. As Helen and Gorka walked over to the judges panel, smiling from ear to ear, presenter Tess Daley said: "That was beautiful. Stunning."

"Well I have to say that was beautiful, soft and romantic", Anton Du Beke said. "Your movement was nice, your footwork was great. I thought it was gorgeous."

But notorious strict judge Craig said it was "rigid". "But you know you are a lovely dancer and you are beautiful to watch."

Helen and Gorka performed the waltz for their first dance in the Strictly semi-final (BBC)

"This is magic," Motsi Mabusi said, telling her she had a reaction to Gorka that she couldn't even hide. She added: "You could see your smile at Gorka. To see what a team you to have become from week to week and see you make it your own - thank you for that."

Head judge Shirley spoke about how their relationship has formed during their time on the show. She said: "The bond you've formed over these series showed in the waltz. I thought you did extremely well."

Speaking to Claudia about the pressure of the evening, Helen said: "My two dances tonight have very conflicting rules." Gorka: "We cut the coffee breaks, the lunches and everything during rehearsals."

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