Helen Skelton joined Strictly ‘days after ex posted about new girlfriend’

Helen Skelton is said to have joined Strictly Come Dancing in the days after her ex-husband Richie Myler went Instagram official with his new girlfriend, months after their split.

In April this year, the Countryfile presenter announced that she and England national rugby league player Richie, 32, had broken up, as the pair strove to co-parent their three young children.

In a statement released at the time, the 39-year-old said: ‘Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co parent our small children.’

At the weekend, Helen became the final star to join the Strictly 2022 line-up, with all 15 spots now filled, as she joins famous faces including Fleur East, Kym Marsh, Tony Adams and Matt Goss.

It’s been claimed in a new report that a short while after her ex Richie posted pictures on social media with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, Helen decided to take part in the show, having recently appeared to drop a hint as to who her professional dance partner could be.

On July 10, Richie shared a photo on Instagram of himself with Stephanie at Wimbledon, before sharing another loved-up picture a couple of weeks later of the pair in Cornwall, writing in the caption: ‘Was worth a 32 year wait.’

Stephanie commented underneath the post writing: ‘Thanks for the best weekend! LOVE YOU.’

A source reportedly told The Mirror that signing up for Strictly would give Helen a boost after her break-up.

‘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,’ they said.

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Helen and Richie married in 2013 and share three children together: two sons, born in 2015 and 2017 respectively, and a daughter born in December last year.

In April, it was reported that the Blue Peter presenter could see ‘no way back’ for their marriage.

A source told OK! magazine: ‘It’s so sad, but friends don’t think there is a way back for them. She’s really sad about it. Friends are really worried for her, but there is no way back sadly.’

Richie’s new girlfriend, Stephanie, has a link to his rugby career, as her father is the president of the Leeds Rhinos team that he plays for.

This week, eagle-eyed Strictly fans have spotted that Helen has followed pro Neil Jones on Instagram, with the dancer returning the favour… fuelling speculation that they could be partnered up when the competition commences.

Metro.co.uk has contacted Helen Skelton’s representatives for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

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