Helen Skelton says Strictly ‘made me remember who I am’ after marriage breakup

Helen Skelton spoke about how Strictly regained her confidence after the devastating breakdown of her marriage last year.

The presenter, 39, formally announced her separation from rugby player Richie Myler, 32, last April after eight years of marriage.

Appearing on Loose Women on Friday, Helen reflected on her journey on the show and how her dance partner, Gorka Márquez, helped her remember “who I am.”

“In the first few weeks I didn’t know how to own it and be sexy and daring, but then it got easier,” she said.

‘Then I stopped questioning it and just stopped caring less. I knew it would be over in the blink of an eye, so I gave it my all.

Helen went on to talk about her daring cabaret routine in which she dressed in black lingerie and stockings, with many fans calling it the ultimate “revenge” dance.

She said: ‘The cabaret routine was all about being fierce and powerful and that’s my version of sexy.

‘It made me remember who I am on this show. In the end, she wasn’t thinking “oh my gosh,” she just wanted to have a good time.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Helen talked about juggling motherhood while touring the country with the rest of the Strictly cast, who were photographed in London for their stint on The 02.

The BBC star has been dancing with Kai Widdrington as Gorka is absent from the tour due to other work commitments.

Helen shares Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and baby Elsie, one, with her ex Richie, who is expecting his first child with girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32.

It’s been a juggling tour and school career. I take them to the voiceovers, we all do things together. Gorka and I knew that we had children, so it worked to juggle everything, ”she said.

“Apparently Gorka is male, but underneath that he was very sensitive, always trying to make me look good and he doesn’t get enough credit. I have a great friend in Kai and Gorka.

The rugby player split from his marriage, leaving the family home just weeks after the birth of his third child, and is now expecting a baby with his new girlfriend Stephanie.

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 be feeling ‘baffled’ by the breakdown of her marriage, with a source close to the couple telling MailOnline: ‘Helen is absolutely devastated’.

They continued: “Now she is contemplating life without him while he moves on with his new partner.”

In an October interview with The TelegraphHelen declined to comment on Richie’s new relationship out of respect for everyone involved, noting, “You can’t have any say in someone else’s life until you’ve walked in those shoes.”

“And my family is happy, my children are happy, and that’s all that matters.”

He explained that he agreed to participate in Strictly to end the year on a positive note, stating, “I think it would have been disrespectful for me not to have done it in Strictly.” For my family, who needs to see me have a good time. It’s not just for me.

Helen continued: “I don’t see myself as a victim, no, because I mean, look… There are a lot of people who have been in my situation who haven’t had the opportunities that I have.”