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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Paul T Smith

Helen Skelton 'grows close' to Vito Coppola after 'bonding' on Strictly tour

Helen Skelton has reportedly grown close to Strcitly pro-dancer Vito Coppola after "bonding" during the BBC hit television programme live tour of the UK. It's even claimed the pair have been going on casual dates together.

The Countryfile host appeared on last year's series of the ballroom show and was coupled up with Gorka Márquez. Helen and her estranged rugby player husband, Richie Myler, announced that they had separated last summer.

Mum-of-three Helen has been single since then, but it seems that could all be about to change. A source has told The Mirror: "Helen and Vito were good friends during Strictly, but really bonded on tour.

Helen Skelton (BBC)

READ MORE: Helen Skelton says Strictly Come Dancing helped her find confidence following marriage breakdown

"There were two buses for the cast - the party bus and the quiet bus. They spent a lot of time chatting on the quiet bus and getting to know each other. They have a lot in common - a love of the outdoors, for example.

"Between shows they also spent time together one-on-one, like going for coffee, just the two of them. Then, if the whole group went for dinner, they would sit together, deep in conversation."

The source added: "If anyone pulled out a phone and started filming, Helen would move away from Vito. She didn’t want to be captured in the background."

Richie has began a relationship with Stephanie Thirkhill, and the couple are now expecting a baby together. During her time on Strictly, Helen said dancing on the BBC show helped her feel “liberated”.

She has previously admitted: “I’ve found my confidence on the dance floor.”

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