Strictly Come Dancing 2022 kicked off its first live show in style on Saturday, with Helen Skelton and her professional partner Gorka Marquez scoring 26 points.
And when the BBC show ended, Richie Myler, the Countryfile presenter’s estranged husband, broke his silence after her Strictly debut when he called his girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill “family” in a gushing Instagram post.
The 32-year-old rugby player ended his eight-year marriage to Helen, 39, in April, just four months after she gave birth to their third child, and quickly moved on with Stephanie, 32.
Stephanie is the daughter of Leeds Rhinos President Andrew Thirkill, one of the richest businessmen in Leeds and worth an estimated £175 million.
Debut: Strictly Come Dancing 2022 kicked off its first live show in style on Saturday, with Helen Skelton, 39, and her professional partner Gorka Marquez scoring 26 points
Richie first posted a selfie taken by Stephanie, taken on the side of the pitch after his last Leeds Rhinos game of the rugby league season.
She had written: ‘Wasn’t a win, but couldn’t be prouder of this one. Grand final at Old Trafford and a great game for you. Love you so much @richiemyler,” to which he added, “Love you.”
Richie posted a photo of himself and Stephanie with her family on his Instagram Stories, also writing, “Ready this season as a family,” and signed a heart.
The rugby player shares two young sons Ernie, six, Louis, five, and daughter Elsie Kate, eight months, with his estranged wife Helen.
Family: Richie posted a photo of himself and Stephanie with her family on his Instagram Stories, also writing, “Ready this season as a family,” and signed a heart
Loved-up: Richie also posted a selfie Stephanie took, taken on the side of the pitch after his last rugby match of the season
Richie made his relationship with Stephanie Instagram official when they went to Wimbledon together.
His relationship with Stephanie came to light in May, days after it was announced that his eight-year marriage to Helen was over.
Helen is said to feel “stunned” by the breakdown of her marriage, and a source close to the couple told MailOnline: “Helen is devastated.”
They continued, “Now she is contemplating life without him as he has moved on with his new partner.”
New focus: Helen is currently taking on a new challenge while competing in Strictly
Emotional: Helen and Richie’s breakup came just four months after the couple’s third child, Elsie (pictured in May)
Richie insists there was no crossover, that he started a romance with Stephanie after their marriage collapsed, but Helen feels let down. They are still married and their baby is literally four months old.
“She thought their marriage was safe and secure and is totally shocked by what happened.”
Former Blue Peter star Helen confirmed their split on Instagram, writing: ‘Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the parental home. We will do our best to co-parent our little children.”
Making it official: Richie made his relationship with Stephanie Instagram official when they went to Wimbledon together
For her Saturday Strictly debut, Helen took to the floor with Gorka Marquez to perform an American Smooth to You Send Me by Aretha Franklin.
And despite her protests that she lacked elegance, Craig was quick to reassure her by saying, “I like the energy and you do have elegance, honey.”
While Anton gushed: ‘Brilliant line, when you do lines it’s beautiful. To own! Own the dance. Just believe in yourself a little more, because when you do, it’s brilliant.’
Shirley also praised the presenter, explaining: “You weren’t too fast, you weren’t too slow. The beginning was divine, the poor were love. Well done.’
Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Who are the couples?
HELEN SKELTON AND GORKA MARQUEZ
Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
Age of celebrities: 39
Profession: TV and radio channel
Helen says: ‘I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started”
ELLIE SIMMONDS AND NIKITA KUZMIN
Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Guzman
Age of celebrities: 27
Profession: former athlete
Ellie says: “Being asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
ELLIE TAYLOR AND JOHANNES RADEBE
Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
Age of celebrities: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m over the moon to be part of Strictly 2022!’
FLEUR EAST AND VITO COPPOLA
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
Age of celebrities: 34
Profession: Singer
fleur says: “I’m just as nervous and excited to be part of this year’s Strictly lineup. I’m excited to learn new skills and want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
JAMES DAY AND AMY DOWDEN
Age of celebrities: 38
Profession: EastEnders actor
James says: “I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkling toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing, but it’s an honor to be asked and I’m going to do my best.”
JAYDE ADAMS AND KAREN HAUER
Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer
Age of celebrities: 37
Profession: Comedian
Jayde says: “I’ve been a huge fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m looking at myself in a dream and I can’t believe I manifested this.’
TYLER WEST AND DIANNE BUSWELL
Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
Age of celebrities: 26
Profession: radio dj
Tyler says: “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a sequin side.”
HAMZA YASSIN AND JOWITA PRZYSTAL
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Celebrities agoe: 35
Professionaln: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
hamza says: “I’m over the moon to participate in Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.”
RICHIE ANDERSON AND GIOVANNI PERNICE
Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice
Age of celebrities: 34
Profession: radio host
Richie says: ‘This is a dream come true! I can’t wait to get into those glitters and sequins and swing across the most famous dance floor in the world!’
KYM MARSH AND GRAZIANO DI PRIMA
Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
Age of celebrities: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so glad they have this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m leaving home in my pajamas watching actual dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.”
MATT GOSS AND NADIYA BYCHKOVA
Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova
Age of celebrities: 53
Profession: Singer
Matt says: “I’m retired, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’
MOLLY RAINFORD AND CARLOS GU
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gus
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Mollie says: “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.”
WILL MELLOR AND NANCY XU
Age of celebrities: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: “I know it will be a huge challenge, but that’s what life is all about. This is also my mom’s favorite show and she’s been through some rough years, so I’m doing this for her too. Bring it on!’
TONY ADAMS AND KATYA JONES
Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Age of celebrities: 55
Profession: Retired football player and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the temptation of the sequins and the call of the salsa makes me swap my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly Soft boots.”
KAYE ADAMS AND KAI WIDDRINGTON
Kaye Adams and Kai Widdrington
Celebrities are age: 59
Profession: Television host
Kaye says: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can’t think of a better way to do that than show the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’