For many, 2022 will be a year they will never forget - none more so than Yorkshire's very own Helen Skelton.
The Strictly Come Dancing finalist, best known for presenting Blue Peter and Countryfile, started the year welcoming her new daughter with husband Richie Myler. But just months into 2022, the couple announced they had split after nine years together, much to the devastation of many.
Throwing herself into her role as a full-time mum, Helen ,39, also embarked on a journey to self-discovery, in the shape of entering Strictly Come Dancing, where she teamed up with professional partner Gorka Marquez, making it all the way to the final of the competition.
She made new life-long friends from the show, got her confidence back and is now raring to go for another year of adventures. We take a closer look at the year Helen has had, and what is in store for her and her family in 2023.
Here's a closer look at Helen's year in detail:
Marriage breakdown
It was confirmed in April that Helen and Richie had separated. Fans were left shocked when the mum-of-three announced in an emotional Instagram post that the rugby player had left the family home.
Leeds Rhino player Richie, 32, broke up with ex-Blue Peter presenter Helen just four months after she gave birth to their third child, daughter Elise.
Three months later Richie revealed he was in a new relationship and shared a series of pictures on Instagram of his romantic weekend away in Cornwall with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill. The couple revealed they are expecting their first child together back in November. Helen, 39, is reportedly maintaining 'cordial relations' with her ex.
TV and radio presenting
Putting on a brave face after her marriage breakdown, Helen quickly got back to work while juggling being a mum-of-three. She was back on our screens presenting Summer on the Farm during summer 2022.
The Channel 5 show was a hit series last year - showcasing what summer means for rural communities around the UK and has become popular since. She presented the show alongside Springwatch host Martin Hughes-Games.
It was also announced in July that the mum-of-three is the new host of a BBC Radio 5 Live show. She took over the Sunday slot, from 10pm until 12pm, taking over from Laura Whitmore. She speaks about news, sports, and features on the show.
Launching kids clothing line
Many might not know that Helen owns a children's clothing line called Toy Breaker. It has had huge success this year, reportedly landing her over £1 million.
Helen is thought to have a whopping £474,667 in the bank of her company, Helen's Skelton Production Ltd, after paying £185,955 in corporation tax over the past three years. Helen Skelton's earnings over the time she has owned her children's range are said to calculate £978,710 at a 19% rate, according to The Sun.
The Strictly Come Dancing contestant previously told Celeb Mix: "It was back at the start of the pandemic that I first had the idea of doing a kids range. One of my best friends was working for a fast fashion brand at the time, but was looking to change what she was doing, so whilst we were talking one day and I was telling her how I can never get my kids to wear anything other than a football kit, the idea to do a kids line came to us and we just thought why not.
Strictly success
Helen's biggest and most well known success of the year was on Strictly Come Dancing. The star started out nervous on the show, saying she was worried about "baring her soul".
She quickly became a fan favourite, impressing the judges with her skills in a variation of dance styles. Helen did well during the infamous Blackpool episode, coming second to Fleur East, for her quickstep to Valerie by Amy Winehouse, and received a lot of praise from the judges.
The routine, performed at the prestigious Tower Ballroom, gave a nod to Grease as the presenter dressed in a pink and black petticoat dress and the professional dancer donned a leather jacket. Helen Skelton said the “biggest compliment ever” in Strictly Come Dancing has been the dancers and team at the BBC show “buzzing” for her and professional partner Gorka Marquez.
Gorka and Helen became great friends on the show and made it all the way to the final.
Her 'comeback'
Helen Skelton's family are said to be delighted to see the TV presenter "back to her old self" - and believe joining the Strictly 2022 cast had a lot to do with it.
During their chat with It Takes Two host Janette Menara, Helen opened up on how much her family's support has meant to her. Janette said: "Your dad has been saying some really supportive things hasn't he?"
Helen said: "He's been saying it's nice to see you being you again, i's nice to see you enjoying yourself. Janette replied: "And your mum, they're really going into the experience with you, aren't they?"
Helen responded: "That's what this is all about. Why be part of something so special if your family don't get to benefit too."
We look forward to seeing more of Helen on our TV screens in 2023.
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