Helen Skelton explains why she had ‘face like thunder’ when Strictly partner hinted at marriage breakdown
’We need to talk about what he’s allowed to say publicly,’ contestant said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Helen Skelton has explained why she had a “face like thunder” when her Strictly Come Dancing partner addressed her marriage breakdown on air.
The Countryfile presenter and professional dancer Gorka Marquez were being interviewed by Claudia Winkleman when Marquez hinted at the “rough time” Skelton has had in recent months.
In April, Skelton revealed that her ex Richie Myler had “left the family home” just four months after they welcomed their third child.
“Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple,” she wrote. “He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.”
Skelton, who married Myler in 2013, accompanied the post with two broken heart emojis.
In a recent episode of the BBC competition, which aired on 15 October, Marquez said: “I know you’ve been having a difficult time and I know you may feel like you’re not beautiful or good enough or anything. But if you don’t believe in yourself, I believe in you. Everybody here believes in you.”
He continued: “It’s only you who is going to be the one who can make the change and the one who needs to believe in you, because you are an amazing woman, very inspirational. An amazing mum and incredible dancer, so believe in you, please.”
Viewers could not help but notice, though, that Skelton looked uncomfortable and did not seem happy with Marquez’ improvised speech.
Suggesting this was true, Skelton told The Sun in a new interview: “Let’s leave that in the past, shall we?” adding: “What I love about Gorka is that he has my very best interests at heart, and we are genuinely very good friends. But sometimes, maybe, we need to talk about what he’s allowed to say publicly.”
Skelton continued: “I was like, ‘Oh God, where is he going with this?’ That’s why I jumped on the table, to shut him up.”
Strictly airs on Saturdays at 7pm on BBC One, witht he results show following the next evening at 7.20pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments