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Alex Evans

'More backstage Helen Skelton' pleads Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez

When Helen Skelton signed up for Strictly Come Dancing, she spoke about how she wanted to have fun with it following the painful breakup of her marriage.

But it's also been clear that the former Countryfile presenter has used the experience to help her confidence recover as well - and now even her family are pointing out how the Strictly star is herself again after dancing with Gorka.

And speaking to It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, Helen revealed the words Gorka tells her to gee her up.

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Taking to the It Takes Two sofa to discuss her last dance - a 9/10/10/10 at Blackpool ballroom - Helen was surprised by her parents, who sent her a recorded message played to her and pro dancing partner Gorka Marquez.

Helen's mum told the pair: "Hey Helen wishing you good luck for the weekend."

Her dad added: "Just keep smiling and enjoy and have a lot of fun. We're really really proud of you. Love you loads."

Helen Skelton's mum and dad sent her a message of support on Thursday (BBC)

Helen then reacted: "They hate being on camera! How did you get them to do that?"

Janette then asked about how her dad has been so supportive of her.

Helen added: "He was just like, it's nice to see you being you again and it's nice to see you enjoying yourself.

"That's what you always say isn't it [Gorka]. He's always like 'be like you are backstage'.

"That's what it's all about isn't it. Why be part of something so special if your family don't get to take part. We always say it about our kids don't we. My kids are having a great time, all of the kids got together on Friday."

This week Helen and Gorka will dance a samba and are hoping to score a perfect 10/10/10/10 from every judge - even Craig Revel Horwood.

If you cannot see the poll below, click here

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 on Saturday, November 26

Strictly It Takes Two returns every weekday on BBC2.

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