Helen Skelton is taking part in Strictly to be a 'good role model'

‘I choose my jobs around what works for my family’: Helen Skelton admits she’s taking part in Strictly to be a ‘good role model’ to her kids

Helen Skelton admitted she’s taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing to be a ‘good role model’ to her kids. 

The Countryfile presenter, 39, shares Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and Elsie, seven-months with her ex Richie Myler. 

Speaking to The Mirror, Helen explained: ‘I am a huge Strictly fan but my kids are not into it at all, which is annoying.’

Family: Helen Skelton admitted she’s taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing to be a ‘good role model’ to her kids

In an interview with the publication before it was revealed she was taking part in the show, Helen said: ‘I choose my jobs around what works for my family. 

‘I just want my kids to believe they can do anything they want. I want to show them that if Mummy can do it, then they can do it too. I just want to be a good role model and lead by example.

‘I always tell the kids they can do anything they want in life, but I think parents have to show them that too.

‘I love giving my kids life experience and taking them to work with me.’

In an interview with The Mirror before it was revealed she was taking part in the show, Helen said: ‘I choose my jobs around what works for my family’

Helen was the final celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 

The TV and radio broadcaster was widely tipped to be taking part in the BBC ballroom show and her spot on the programme has now been confirmed as she completes the full celebrity line-up.

It was revealed on Saturday morning on BBC Radio 2 during Claudia Winkleman’s breakfast show that Helen – who split from husband Richie Myler earlier this year – would be appearing on the show.

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.’

Ex: Helen will appear in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing , after splitting from her rugby player husband Richie Myler, 32, earlier this year

Helen 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. 

New woman: It follows reports that Helen signed up for Strictly after her estranged husband Richie shared a loved-up snap with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill (pictured)

Helen signed up for Strictly 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 announced her split from the rugby star, 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.’

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 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?’ 

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH

Age: 46

Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter

Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’

RICHIE ANDERSON 

Age: 34

Profession: Radio presenter 

Richie says: ‘This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!’

ELLIE SIMMONDS 

Age: 27

Profession: Former athlete 

Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’

TYLER WEST 

Age: 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 side of sequins.’

ELLIE TAYLOR

 

Age: 38

Profession: Comedian

Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’

TONY ADAMS MBE 

Profession: Retired footballer and manager

Tony says:  ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’

  

JAMES BYE

Age: 38

Profession: EastEnders actor

James says ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.’

HELEN SKELTON

 Age: 39

Profession: TV and radio broadcaster

Helen says: ‘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’

WILL MELLOR

Age: 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 Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’

 KAYE ADAMS 

 Age: 59 

Profession: Television presenter 

Kaye says: ‘I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’ 

 JAYDE ADAMS

Age: 37

Profession: Comedian

Jayde says: ‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’

MATT GOSS

Age: 53

Profession: Singer

Matt says: ‘I’ve been reclusive, 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

 Age: 21

Profession: Singer 

Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna 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.’

FLEUR EAST

Age: 34 

Profession: Singer

Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

 HAMZA YASSIN

Age: 35

Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter

Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’

 

 

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