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Simon Duke

Helen Skelton leaves Strictly Come Dancing judges with 'niggling concern' in semi final

Helen Skelton has left the Strictly Come Dancing with a 'niggling concern' with just a week to go until the final, as they admitted there were still worried about her nerves.

The Blue Peter and On The Farm star had a rather eventful start to life on Strictly, as she fled rehearsals through a fire exit door as the pressure of the first live show got to her. When she did take to the ballroom for the first time, the judges picked up on her lack of confidence and since then, they and Helen's pro partner Gorka Marquez have been urging her to have more self belief.

Helen signed up to Strictly after a tough few months, following the breakdown of her marriage to rugby player Richie Myler and during one live show, Gorka, without actually mentioning the split, gave a very public display of support for Helen, telling her she was 'an amazing woman, an amazing mum and an incredible dancer."

READ MORE: Motsi Mabuse wants to 'bring back' Strictly star after exit dispute

Since that moment early on in the new series, Helen's confidence has been boosted by some terrific performances and some great scores, with her and Gorka getting 39 out of 40 twice now. They had two dances to ready for Sunday night's delayed semi final, as well as Helen hosting two live On The Farm shows at the start of the week.

Before their first performance on Sunday night, a waltz to Celine Dion hit Only One Road, the judges appeared on screen to discuss her progress in the competition so far and any concerns. And it was during the frank conversation, that Motsi Mabuse asked: "But does she have control of her nerves?"

On a similar note, Shirley Ballas commented: "She needs to believe to achieve," before Helen and Gorka went onto score 35 for their waltz.

Who do you want to win Strictly? Let us know in our poll below:

*Helen Skelton championed over 'honest' reason for doing Strictly

*Claudia Winkleman causes Strictly 'panic' with semi final announcement

*Girls Aloud stars reunite to support Nicola Roberts at Strictly Christmas special

*Jill Scott makes 'plea' to I'm A Celebrity co-star before reunion

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