Former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton faced a challenging period after her split from rugby player Richie Myler but managed to reach the final of Strictly Come Dancing. Despite her success, the Countryfile star confessed to feeling “terrified” in the early stages of the competition.

In an interview on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, Helen revealed her urge to leave the show, even running to hide on a fire escape during filming near The Crown set. However, she was persuaded to return by a production team member and received words of encouragement from her dance partner Gorka Márquez, who likened the experience to jumping out of a plane and engaging the parachute.

Acknowledging the support she received from Gorka, Helen expressed gratitude for his encouragement, which helped boost her confidence from the nerve-wracking start to delivering a flawless performance in the final. She recalled how her transformation during the competition surprised everyone, even the professional dancers.

Despite facing challenges, such as a wardrobe malfunction during the semi-finals, Helen remained resilient and earned commendable scores from the judges. She emphasized that her personal struggles did not affect her performance or the judges’ scoring.

Helen shared that despite the turmoil of her marriage ending, she was determined not to let it impact her time on Strictly Come Dancing. Refusing to dwell on her personal issues, she focused on giving her best performance.

Encouraged by friends to seize the opportunity, Helen decided to participate in Strictly Come Dancing, dismissing claims of any unfair advantage due to her tap-dancing background from childhood. She humorously addressed the misconception and reflected on her fond memories of dancing as a child.

Amid the challenges and personal turmoil, Helen’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing was marked by perseverance, growth, and a newfound confidence that shone through in her performances.