Now that all 15 Strictly 2023 contestants have been announced, it won’t be long before we see them take to the ballroom floor with their professional dance partners. However, that doesn’t mean that we’ve stopped thinking about last year’s bunch.
One of the most memorable Strictly 2022 contestants was Helen Skelton, who signed up to the show in the wake of her split from husband Richie Myler.
Helen’s confidence grew each week she made it through to another live show and she eventually ended up in the final with her dance partner Gorka Marquez, where they finished as runners-up behind winners Hamza Yassin and Jowitz Przystal.
As one of the most recognisable faces on the box, Helen’s been busy with her other ventures as a TV and radio host. Here’s everything you need to know about her…
Who is Helen Skelton?
Helen is a TV and radio presenter who first rose to fame on CBBC shows Newsround and Sportsround in 2007. She joined Blue Peter a year later, which she hosted until 2013. Helen also co-presents Countryfile.
How old is Helen Skelton?
She was born on 19 July 1983, so she is currently 40 years old.
Where is Helen Skelton from?
Helen is from Cumbria and was raised in the village of Kirkby Thore.
Who is Helen Skelton's husband?
Helen married rugby league player Richie Myler in December 2013. Richie plays as a scrum-half and fullback for the Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Super League and the Ireland national team. He has previously represented England and the England Knights, but switched allegiances in 2022.
In April 2022, Helen announced she and Richie had split on social media when she wrote, "Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co parent our small children."
Richie started dating Stephanie Thirkill, the daughter of Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill, following his split from Helen and they welcomed a baby earlier this year.
How many children does Helen Skelton have?
Helen is a mum to three children, Ernie, eight, Louis, five, and 16 month old Elsie, who she shares with her ex-husband Richie.
Is Helen Skelton dating?
Closer previously reported how Helen had decided to get back on the dating scene after being linked to her Strictly co-star Vito Coppola, but insiders now say that the mum of three is struggling.
They say, “Helen’s family and friends encouraged her to get back out there and she was happy to dip her toe back into the dating scene, but she has had some wobbles and found herself feeling guilty. She’s concerned about who to let into her life and worried about being judged for any decisions she makes.
“She knows she tried everything she could to make her marriage work, and once the trust was broken there was just no going back. But dating again has brought up some unexpected feelings that she’s been struggling with.”
When was Helen Skelton on Strictly?
Helen competed on Strictly 2022 alongside professional dance partner Gorka. They made it all the way to the final but lost out on the Glitterball trophy to Hamza. Helen went on to take part in the Strictly live tour, where she danced with Kai Widdrington.
How did Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez react to the Strictly 2022 winners?
Helen was forced to defend her dance partner Gorka after viewers spotted his awkward reaction when Hamza was announced as the 2022 champion.
Strictly fans flocked to Twitter to point out Gorka looked less than pleased when the winner was revealed, with one commenting, "Gorka is fuming and it's uncomfortable lol."
"Gorka didn't look happy with that result," added another, while a third remarked, "Gorka's a bit upset bless him."
One more wrote, "Goodness. That was some look from Gorka!!"
Speaking about Gorka's reaction during an appearance on Lorraine, Helen admitted that he was "disappointed" not to win but insisted that they were both "delighted" for Hamza and Jowita.
She explained, "The thing in is what I love about Gorka and our friendship, we’re so honest – it’s written all over our faces.
"When I was terrified we were terrified, when we were loving our time together we were loving our time together, when we were stressed we were stressed, and if his face had said anything other than 'I’m disappointed' on Saturday it would have been a disservice."
Helen added, "I’m not taking anything away from Hamza and Jowita, they have been brilliant all season, and we are delighted for them.
Does Helen Skelton have Instagram?
She sure does, you can find her at @helenskelton.