Strictly Come Dancing couple Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez made their debut last week as they performed the American Smooth to Aretha Franklin’s You Send Me.
The couple were awarded a total of 26 points putting them near the top of the leader board.
Helen’s participation comes following her separation from husband Richie Myler, 32. The former couple – who got married in 2013 – have three young children together.
READ NEXT: Strictly Matt Goss’ life – saving fan’s life, Hollywood sibling and 20k flight for dog
She has thrown herself into the dance competition since announcing their split.
Helen however has already revealed that the experience has been a challenge.
Helen and Gorka appear to already be getting on like a house on fire and have had plenty of sweet moments.
Sweet new nickname
(Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire)
Helen revealed to her Instagram followers that she has a sweet nickname for Gorka.
On Wednesday she took to Instagram and said: “Feet on fire and head exploding but loving every second of this journey…
“Somehow @gorka_marquez finding time to prank everyone – thank God there’s room to laugh. It’s been a big old week of training so far and still a lot to do…”
She then went on to unveil what she calls her pro dancer: “Here’s to the feet and hips doing what the boss says #strictlycomedancing #strictly.”
Calling Helen “cheeky”
(Image: BBC,Guy Levy)
Helen and Gorka appeared on Lorraine earlier this week to chat about their debut.
Gorka explained that they had both had a very tough week of training whilst learning the Cha Cha Cha routine for this weekend.
Gorka told Lorraine: “I think she’s very cheeky and very sassy when she wants.
“Right now, I’m very happy. I think we’re in a good place.
“It’s been a difficult week because we had a terrible Tuesday and we missed a day… we only had three days to rehearse so it was very compact but we’re at a good point right now.”
Praise for family
(Image: Instagram)
Helen showered the families of all the Strictly stars with praise.
After her debut she took to Instagram with a stunning snap of her with her ballroom partner.
She captioned it: “”Credit where it’s due … this one @gorka_marquez deserves kudos for not only getting me around the dance floor…. But on it in the first place,” the mum-of-three typed. “Grateful Mr M. You’re a master at your craft and a belter of a pal..”
She then added: “To all the families holding down the fort behind the scenes…. We are grateful. Pretty sure I will owe my parents Christmas in the Caribbean by time this is over.”
Helen tried to quit but Gorka stopped her
(Image: BBC,Guy Levy)
Helen admitted that she has already had some rocky moments in training.
Speaking on her radio show, she said: “I had a little cry. I’m normally cool, calm and collected.
“I got on the dancefloor and they said, ‘When the audience come in…’ and I went, ‘Oh crikey, yeah, there’s people. I was like, ‘There’s a fire door, there, I can get out of it,’ and I did.”
I said, ‘Just having a minute.’ I literally ran. It was like when I did Celeb SAS, I tried to escape that.”
(Image: Instagram)
She then revealed that her dance partner came and got her and encouraged her to come back.
The 39-year-old went on: “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but it’s very weird.
“Personal space? You wave goodbye to that. Boundaries are non-existent. You walk in and they go, ‘Do you want a fake tan?”
She laughed: “Before you know it you’re naked with a load of people spraying you.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday (October 1) on BBC One.
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
