Helen Skelton has not had an easy year after splitting from husband of eight years, Richie Myler, just four months after the birth of their third child together. Richie, a professional rugby player, is now in a new relationship with Stephanie Thirkill and they are expecting their first child.
Despite any personal troubles, Helen has been lighting up the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor with her professional partner Gorka Marquez and making her family proud. Helen became emotional at the end of her performance in Blackpool, where she scored 39 out of 40, as her family supported her and her family sent her a message on Strictly It Takes Two.
Her parents said: "Hi Helen, just wishing you good luck for the weekend. Remember just keep smiling, enjoy and have lots and lots of fun! We are really really proud of you, love you lots."
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Chuffed with the message, Helen asked how they convinced her camera-shy parents to record the message. She also said her parents have said "it's nice to see you being you again and it's nice to see you enjoying yourself" hinting that she was bouncing back from her tough year.
Many believe that Helen aimed a cheeky joke at Gorka during their Blackpool performance. Just before entering the dancefloor, Helen was caught on the mic aiming a cheeky joke at Gorka.
At the start of the routine, Helen got into the character of a girl out on the town with her mates, while the music kicked in and as she stood with female backing dancers, Helen shot a look at her pro partner and quipped: "Ooo, he wishes!" before launching into the performance.
Gorka responded to the cheeky comment by urging Helen to "go, go, go go, go!" into the dance. Helen and Gorka scored 39 out of 40 for their quickstep to Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse cover Valerie.
Catch up with Strictly: It Takes Two weekdays at 6.30pm.
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