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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

BBC Strictly's Helen Skelton stuns The One Show into silence with competition claim as Gorka Marquez hits back at judges

Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton drew silence as she appeared on The One Show alongside her dance partner Gorka Marquez. The pair joined Alex Jones and Ronan Keating live on the famous green sofa on Friday night (October 21) ahead of the dance contest's Saturday night live show.

During their appearance, former Boyzone singer Ronan wanted to know who Helen thought the dancing couple's biggest competition was in the Strictly ballroom. And the 39-year-old's answer left the hosts stunned and was answered with an awkward pause before Helen quickly explained her answer.

While Gorka kept his lips sealed on who he thought, Countryfile host Helen exclaimed: "Tony Adams." After the pause, she explained:" Tony came in to this as the 'comedy' but he's really good!" Welsh presenter Alex was quick to agree with her as she also said: "He was excellent last week."

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tyler West 'cuts short' training as Dianne Buswell causes problem after he jets back from Mauritius

Helen also turned to Gorka, 34, for support as she said: "Turning to Gorka, she asked: "Isn't he? He's so good!" And viewers watched at home believe they sensed Helen's 'panic'. @Ariadne_Reviews tweeted: "Helen Skelton's sudden panic that she sounded sarcastic when she said Tony Adams was her biggest competition <3 #TheOneShow."

Alex mentioned Gorka's show of support for his celebrity partner during last Saturday's live show. The Spanish dancer was applauded by viewers - and his fiancee Gemma Atkinson - after he halted the show to tell Helen she was 'beautiful' and that she needed to believe in herself, despite going through a difficult time.

The hosts were stunned by Helen's answer (BBC)

Fans believed he was referencing Helen's recent split from her rugby star husband Richie Myler who has since moved on with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill. Alex then asked Gorka what the last few weeks had been like from 'his perspective' to which he replied: "I mean, obviously we're having a good time; we're enjoying the rehearsals.

"In my opinion, I think she did brilliantly and I share your opinion too and I think she is so good and could maybe have higher scores, but again it's the judges' opinions and we take them on board and try and improve all the time." He added: "She's doing very well and she's improving every week and that's what you want. You don't want someone to be very good in week one and then just drop."

This weekend Helen will be bringing a blast from her past to Strictly as she and Gorka perform a Charleston to the Blue Peter theme tune. It comes as for the first time ever, the remaining 12 couples will perform to either an iconic BBC theme tune or dance in tribute to one of the BBC’s most loved services.

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