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Helen Skelton signed up for Strictly Come Dancing after her estranged husband Richie Myler shared a loved-up snap with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill.
Richie went Instagram official with his new love, 32, earlier this month as they enjoyed a romantic mini-break in Cornwall.
Helen, 39, announced her split from The rugby star, also 32, in April – four months after they welcomed their third child together.
A source told The Mirror that signing up for Strictly would give her a lift, adding: “The breakdown of any marriage is tough to cope with, and Helen has understandably found it difficult. Being on Strictly will undoubtedly restore her confidence.”
Strictly: Helen Skelton signed up for Strictly Come Dancing after her estranged husband Richie Myler shared a loved-up snap with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill
The picture that prompted Helen to join Strictly: Richie went Instagram official with his new love earlier this month as they enjoyed a romantic mini-break in Cornwall
Speaking about the glamorous side of Strictly, Helen said: ‘Most mums go to work and any mum who gets the chance to gets to go to work have their makeup done, their tea made and learn something fun… I thought that’s a gift isn’t it?’
The Countryfile presenter, 39, revealed on her first BBC Radio 5 show since the announcement: ‘The thing that makes me nervous… I agreed to it a few days ago and people keep saying, ‘Can you dance?’
‘And I say no because isn’t it the point to learn to dance?’
It comes after Helen followed professional dancer Neil Jones over the weekend and the feeling was mutual as he was quick to return the favour.
Co-star: Helen followed professional dancer Neil Jones over the weekend and the feeling was mutual as he was quick to return the favour
Neil has previously danced with Alex Scott and Nina Wadia – and while he could potentially be paired with Helen – the launch show has not yet been filmed.
When the news was first announced, Helen said: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.’
Helen was left devastated earlier this year when her husband Richie ended their eight-year marriage and struck up a relationship with new girlfriend.
Rugby star Richie announced his split from the TV presenter, in April – four months after they welcomed their third child together – and his relationship with Stephanie came to light just days later.
Hot mama! Earlier this month, Helen looked sensational in a swimsuit while at a local lido in Cumbria with sons Ernie, six, Louis, five, and daughter Elsie Kate, seven months
Just saying! The Countryfile host made a thinly veiled dig at her ex Richie when she pointed out that It takes ’18-24 months to recover fully from having a baby’
Stephanie is the daughter of Andrew Thirkill, who is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds and is worth an estimated £175 million.
Helen was said to feel ‘bewildered’ by the breakdown of her marriage, with a source close to the couple telling MailOnline: ‘Helen is absolutely devastated.’
The former couple are parents to two young sons Ernie, six, Louis, five, and daughter Elsie Kate, seven months.
But now she is said to be hoping to find love on the BBC show as so many other celebrities have done in the past.
Ex: The rugby star, 32, announced his split from wife Helen Skelton, 39, in April – four months after they welcomed their third child together (pictured in February)
A source close to Miss Skelton told the Daily Mail recently: ‘This is quite the opposite of the Strictly curse. Helen has already lost the love of her life, now she wants to find a new one.
‘She cannot wait to get stuck into it all, she has been through the most difficult of times, so this is going to open so many doors for her.
‘The negotiations have been going on for some time but the BBC are delighted that they have managed to get Helen on board. They think it’s going to be great, and so does Helen.
‘She is going to make the best of this, and enjoy it.’
Earlier this month, Helen made a thinly veiled dig at Richie, when she pointed out that It takes ’18-24 months to recover fully from having a baby’.
The Countryfile host posted a joyful shot of herself looking sensational in a swimsuit while spending time in the sunshine at a local lido in Cumbria with their children.
Her post came a week after Richie shared his loved-up snap with his new girlfriend.
Putting on a brave face, Helen looked incredible in a plunging navy gingham swimsuit as she held their baby girl up in her arms while their two boys played together in the background.
‘You wouldn’t believe it but it’s Cumbria. Hands up if you’re from the Eden Valley and spent your summers in an unheated outdoor pool??’ she wrote alongside the shot.
Elsewhere, taking to her Instagram Stories, the mother-of-three shared a quote which read: ‘It takes 18-24 months to recover fully from having a baby.
‘If you feel like you’re ”behind” or ”not where you want to be” at 11 weeks or 6 months postpartum, just remember that you’re not.’
The mother-of-three started her TV career in children’s television, presenting Newsround and Blue Peter on the BBC.
Whilst presenting on Blue Peter for 5 years she took on some incredible challenges, including completing the Namibia Ultra Marathon, cycling to the South Pole and kayaking over 2018 miles down the Amazon River.
Since then, she has presented shows across various channels, including Countryfile, several major sporting events for BBC Sport, ITV’s Lorraine, BT Sport’s FA Women’s Super League football matches.
She has also hosted Channel 4’s Rugby league Super league coverage and Inside The Superbrands in addition to the highly successful On The Farm series for Channel 5 and being a regular on ITV Tonight.
Helen will be in good company on Strictly with the likes of comic Jayde Adams, Radio 2 travel reader Richie Anderson, actor Will Mellor, actress Kym Marsh, ex-Bros singer Matt Goss and Loose Women panellist Kaye Adams all taking part.