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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Niamh Spence

Strictly’s Helen Skelton horrified as Gorka discusses her 'difficult time' live on air

Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton appeared 'mortified' on this week's show as her partner Gorka Marquez addressed the difficulties she's faced this week.

The former Blue Peter presenter appeared subdued and quiet as she received comments from the judges and joined presenter Claudia Winkleman to discuss her dancing.

The TV star has faced a difficult week following reports that her estranged husband is expecting a baby with his new girlfriend, just six months after their split.

It has been reported that Helen was made aware her rugby player ex Richie Myler, 32, was expecting a baby with his partner Stephanie Thirkill before it was announced in a social media post on Steph's private Instagram account.

Helen Skelton sizzled in her fourth performance on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC/Guy Levy)

This week marked the fourth week of Strictly Come Dancing, which has seen Helen partnering professional Gorka in ballroom and latin dances. The TV star has reportedly been throwing herself into dances after facing a tough year, including the breakdown of her marriage in April just four months after youngest daughter Else was born.

Helen is said to be maintaining a 'cordial relation' with her estranged husband for the sake of their three children.

Following their stellar performance, Gorka praised Helen, revealing that she has had an incredibly tough week, and insisting that she needs much more self-belief.

Gorka praised: "Can I just say something? I know you've been having a difficult time, and I know you've been made to feel like you're not beautiful or good enough or anything.

"But if you don't believe in yourself...I believe in you. Everybody here believes in you, your family believes in you."

Helen Skelton appeared mortified as partner Gorka made reference to her difficult week (BBC)

Helen appeared to be mortified by the gushing comments as she hid behind her dancing partner before reappearing.

Gorka continued: "It doesn't matter how many times I say it or the judges say it, or anyone says it, it's only you that can make the change and the one who believes in you.

"You are an amazing woman, very inspirational, an amazing mum and an incredible dancer so believe in you please."

Viewers at home were quick to join in Gorka's defiant message, sending praise to Helen as she appeared moved by the praise.

One viewer tweeted: "Feel bad for Helen - “you need to believe in yourself, we all do!” - not easy to do when you’ve been through what she has recently.

"She’s worth more than that and I hope she starts to see her OWN worth soon."

Helen has remained tight lipped after the news her ex Richie Myler is expecting a baby with new partner Stephanie Thirkill (BBC)

Another added: "How sweet is @gorkamarquez1 what he just said about Helen."

A third agreed, as they wrote: "Loved Gorka’s message at the end, go on Helen!!"

"Gorka sticking up for Helen was everything," added another.

Another shared: "Lovely words from Gorka. Helen is amazing. She deserves to be told she is."

The Mirror has approached Helen and Richie's representatives for comment.

Helen's performance earned praise from the judges, with head judge Shirely Ballas adding that wants to see more "self belief" from Helen in her dancing next week.

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