Helen Skelton buys beer and a takeaway for Strictly partner Gorka after long day of rehearsals

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Helen Skelton has revealed who she sees as her biggest competition - and it might come as a surprise. The Countryfile star, 39, believes England football icon Tony Adams is a massive threat to her on the dance floor.

Shirley Ballas, 62, posted a picture of her and Motsi Mabuse, 41, on social media laughing away on the most recent Strictly Come Dancing live show, Motsi was quick to reciprocate Shirley’s affirmation, sharing on her own social media page that she hoped there would be “many years of laughing” to come.The pair’s public display of affection comes soon after some members of the public called for Shirley to be removed from the panel after she was accused of preferring male celebrity dancers to women.Shirley and Motsi’s friendship was plain to see after Shirley posted the following to her 81,700 followers on Twitter: “Cherry on the cake @MOTSI_MABUSE we laughed so much yesterday.“Brilliant lady, love sitting next to you.“You are a star x @bbcstrictly.”In response to Shirley’s high praise, Motsi was not short of admiration for her fellow judge.Replying to the tweet, Motsi wrote to her 76,500 followers: “With my dearest @ShirleyBallas.To many years of laughing like this.”Sharing their friendship online, it was clear that despite speculation, many fans of Strictly want the panel to remain exactly how it is.User Ioana Vladoi wrote: “Love you both! You just bring so much happiness every Saturday.”And Jackie Carreira also added: “You two make me wish I was in your gang!”With many calling the pair “friendship goals,” there was one disgruntled Twitter user who shared his option on Shirley’s judging style.User Charlie Smorley commented: “Why are you giving Matt Goss low score he so doing very well and giving who are really rubbish at dancing higher score for don’t make sense.“You used to be my favourite Judge but I’ve seen a nasty side to you and I’m very disappointed in you shouldnt be on the show anymore ROOD.” (sic)Replying to the

Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton revealed that she and ex Richie Myler were avoiding each other one year before their split.

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Helen Skelton said she steered clear of husband Richie Myler for a year before they split. It comes after the Countryfile presenter, 38, announced the news that their marriage was over back in April. Helen and rugby player Richie, 31, who tied the knot in 2012, share three kids together.

Helen Skelton has gone back to her roots and is living with her parents in Cumbria after her split from husband Richie Myler. The TV presenter, who is currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing, uprooted her life and moved back home following the breakdown of her eight-year marriage to the rugby star in April. Richie, 32, and Helen, 39, share three children; Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and Elsie, nine months, while it was recently revealed that her former husband is expecting another baby with girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill. Despite her personal turmoil, Helen appears to have found peace being back in the company of her family and her children have taken to farm life with ease. ‘I am literally in my childhood Cumbrian village with all my school friends, and so everyone just kind of mucks in together,’ Helen told The Telegraph. She continued: ‘I can get up in my pyjamas, pull my boots on, pull my dad’s coat on, walk across the fields with the dog and what a joyous way to start the day.’ The Countryfile presenter said that she and the children are ‘really happy, and that’s all that really matters’. Helen also has no interest in looking for love for the time being, stating that she has ‘loads to be thankful for’ while focusing on her children.It comes after Helen’s Strictly professional dance partner Gorka Marquez praised the star for her efforts on the dancefloor after going through a marriage breakdown. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 videoFollowing their performance this weekend and the judges’ comments, Gorka began: ‘Can I just say something? I know you [Helen] have been having a difficult time and I know you’ve been made to feel like you’re not

Helen Skelton has fully immersed herself into this year's Strictly Come Dancing, and is relishing every moment with her dance partner Gorka Marquez.MORE: Strictly's Jayde Adams praises 'confident independent' Helen Skelton after candid confessionHowever, her decision to compete in this year's series took some convincing. The 39-year-old - who split from her husband Richie Myler in April - was encouraged to take part thanks to one friend.WATCH: Helen Skelton shares behind-the-scenes glimpse of hilarious Strictly rehearsalIn an extremely candid interview with The Telegraph, the Countryfile presenter shared: "I was talking to my best friend about it and I was like, 'I'm not sure, there's the kids and the press and it will be full-on.'MORE: Helen Skelton addresses split during Lorraine Kelly interviewSEE: 10 cutest photos of Helen Skelton's three children"And she just went, 'You're going to get paid to dance around with a fit guy, people are going to put makeup on you, and you’ve got to work.

Helen Skelton has revealed she has moved back home with her parents after splitting up from her husband Richie Myler earlier this year. Back in April, the Strictly Come Dancing star revealed that her eight-year marriage to the rugby player had ended.

Helen Skelton has revealed she has moved back in with her parents following her split from her husband Richie Myler earlier this year. The Strictly Come Dancing star announced back in April that her eight-year marriage to the Leeds Rhinos rugby player Richie Myler had ended.

Helen Skelton, 39, has opened up about family changes as she spoke candidly about her life following her marriage split.The Strictly Come Dancing star and her three children - Ernie, 7, Louis, 5, and nine-month-old Elsie - are now living on the family farm in Cumbria.The Countryfile presenter, who co-parents with her former husband Richie Myler - opened up about the decision in a new interview.Helen confirmed she was now back with her mum and dad, who look after her children while she's in London for work commitments, including Strictly where she is partnered with Gorka Marquez.The on-screen presenter admitted she is used to moving around as the family often changed locations due to her ex-husband's career as a rugby player.The TV star previously lived in France and also in Spain for some time.Helen admitted it can be "full on" but she has the support of her friends and family, who all "muck in" and help one another.Speaking about moving back to her childhood Cumbrian village, she told the Telegraph: "You know how they say it takes a village?"I think you don’t realise who your mates are and how much family you’ve got – and I didn’t.

Helen Skelton's ex-husband Richie Myler has shared a rare family snap with his children to Instagram, following the news that his new girlfriend is pregnant with his child. The 32 year old professional rugby league player enjoyed a day out with his mother, Margaret, and his and Helen's three children, Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and Elsie Kate, nine months. In one snap, Richie's children could be seen seated in a sports stadium, perhaps ready to watch their father play rugby, as in the second snap, Richie could be seen smiling next to his sons in his uniform.

Helen Skelton, 39, and her Strictly dance partner Gorka Marquez, 32, have broken their social media silence after they insisted they were “busy concentrating on the dance” for the upcoming live Strictly show.The pair, who are rehearsing ahead of the BBC 100 Strictly special, recorded themselves taking a break from practice, updating eager fans who missed the pair during their absence.Posting the video on his Instagram stories, a worn-out Helen sat in the background while Gorka said: “Wednesday update.

Helen Skelton is living with her parents after having moved out of her family home she used to share with estranged husband Richie Myler in Leeds. Helen, 39, and rugby star Richie, 32, share three children together, and announced the devastating news earlier this year that they were ending their relationship after almost 10 years of marriage. In light of this, Helen has moved back to her parents farm in the Lake District.

Helen Skelton is doing so well on Strictly Come Dancing, where her dance partner Gorka Marquez has been encouraging her every week.Despite his thoughtful and emotional pep talk during Saturday's show, however, Helen remains self-deprecating about her abilities.MORE: Helen Skelton shares hilariously relatable moment during Strictly rehearsalsIn fact, on Wednesday, she took to her Instagram Stories, when she claimed that her children are much better performers than she is!Sharing an image of herself outside her children's Harvest Festival celebration, she wrote: "Heart full [red heart emoji]".The mum-of-three went on: "Kids are defo better performing than me," adding laughing and winking emojis.WATCH: Gemma Atkinson responds after fiancé Gorka Marquez's comments on Helen SkeltonOn Saturday, Helen pulled off an impressive Paso Doble with her dance partner.MORE: Strictly's Gorka Marquez message to Helen Skelton as she admits 'what a week'SEE: Strictly's Helen Skelton: see 10 cutest photos of the star's childrenBefore the judges revealed the pair's scores, Gorka sweetly said: "Can I just say something? I know you have been having a difficult time and I know you've been made to feel like you're not beautiful, or good enough, or anything but if you don't believe in yourself, I believe in you. Helen shared the sweet post on Instagram"Everybody here believes in you.

Strictly Come Dancing star Tony Adams reveals he and professional partner Katya Jones had a huge argument ahead of Saturday night's live show.

Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington may no longer be competing on this year's Strictly Come Dancing, but the couple were all smiles as they arrived for the Black Adam premiere on Tuesday.MORE: Strictly's Matt Goss explains why he broke down in tears after exit with Nadiya BychkovaLooking every inch the beautiful style couple, the lovebirds - who confirmed their romance earlier this year - cosied up to one another as they posed for pictures.WATCH: Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington hold hands in sweet videoNadiya, 33, looked sensational in a black velvet strapless gown which showed off her incredible figure. The sizzling number featured a plunging neckline and heart-shaped bodice.MORE: Matt Goss' Strictly partner Nadiya Bychkova breaks silence after exit from showREAD: Helen Skelton makes rare comment about the pressures of being a working single motherKai, meanwhile, cut a handsome figure in a slick grey suit which he matched with shiny black leather shoes and a matching tie.Their sighting comes days after Nadiya left Strictly alongside her celebrity dance partner Matt Goss while 27-year-old Kai left the show in week one alongside Loose Women's Kaye Adams.

Jayde Adams, 37, shared a picture of her and TV presenter Helen Skelton, 39, after the pair headed out for a roast dinner after their “big weekend” competing in Strictly Come Dancing. After an emotional weekend, for Jayde in particular, both her and Helen looked relaxed as they cosied up in a rather fancy restaurant and posed for a photo."Two strong confident independent women, eating roast dinners after a big weekend. @helenskelton," Jayde remarked in the caption alongside a snap of the two friends.The star, who boasts 129,000 followers on the social media platform, gained a lot of love in the comments section from both fans and celebrity friends, who applauded the pair for their achievements on the ballroom floor.Gaining more than 11,000 likes, Helen was one of the first to comment adding heart-eyes emojis to the post.While Strictly professional dancer Lauren Oakley wrote: "Love you both!!"Ian Watkins, also known as ‘H’ from the megaband Steps also joined in, posting a collection of emojis which included two red love hearts.A fan, who goes by the username Kay Hackett, dubbed the pair a “couple of national treasures” as she urged them to “look after each other”.Another heartfelt message came from @whatsfionadoing, who wrote: “I cannot tell you how much I love this.

FURIOUS Strictly Come Dancing fans have claimed Helen Skelton was underscored on Saturday night. The Countryfile star, who is dancing with Gorka Marquez, wowed those watching at home as she performed an energetic paso doble to Tamacun by Rodrigo y Gabriela.

somehow miss the point of her. Here she is, not long after 7am on a Friday morning, bounding into a café in west London with all the enthusiasm you might expect of a former Blue Peter presenter who once kayaked solo down the Amazon, and cycled to the South Pole.There is not a trace of self pity evident on her fresh and fearless face, which has travelled here by motorbike, because… well, why not? Skelton is, after all, the kind of person who agreed to run the 78-mile Namibian ultra marathon in 2009, a feat so gruelling that she became only the second woman in history to complete it. In comparison, most things are a doddle.The 39-year-old dumps her stuff at the table, has a quick FaceTime with her kids – Ernie, seven, Louis, five and Elsie, now nine months old, who are back home in Cumbria with their grandparents – and proceeds to order two lattes in quick succession.

Strictly star Gemma Atkinson has sent a sweet message to Helen Skelton after her fiancé Gorka Marquez spoke out about Helen's "difficult time" on Saturday's (October 15) episode of the show. He gushed over his dance partner on Saturday saying that she should "believe" in herself.It looks as if his fiancé Gemma agrees with him as she took to Instagram with a picture of them and wrote: "Absolutely!!!! What he said!!!" READ MORE: Gemma Atkinson in wardrobe malfunction as she spills out of towel with Strictly fiancé She didn't stop there, as she then shared a picture of Helen and Gorka back stage and wrote: "So proud!"Having the trust and respect from your pro dancer on Strictly is everything.