She won hearts while tearing up the dancefloor on last year's Strictly, and now Helen Skelton is reportedly being lined up to present spin-off show It Takes Two. The Countryfile and Springtime on the Farm star, who made it to the Strictly Come Dancing finals with Gorka Marquez is said to have held talks with bosses about hosting the popular spin-off backstage gossip and chat show on BBC Two.
It is understood conversations originally centred on a temporary role filling in for Strictly favourite Janette Manrara, who is expecting her first child with fellow pro dancer hubby Aljaž Škorjanec, reports The Mirror. But after Janette’s co-host Rylan Clark announced last week that he was quitting, sources say bosses reckon former Blue Peter presenter Helen, 39, can fill his sparkly shoes.
One said: “Not only is Helen a very experienced and popular presenter, she captured Strictly fans last year with her warmth and charisma. She was also a hit with the team, from the top bosses to the make-up teams, production and the crew.
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"The pro dancers all know her and as a former contestant, she knows what the celebrities are going through. It seems like she could be a perfect fit for us.”
TV and Radio star Rylan, 34, has co-hosted It Takes Two since 2019. Kate Phillips, director of BBC Unscripted, said in a statement on Wednesday (April 12): "On behalf of BBC Two, BBC Daytime, and Strictly fans everywhere, I want to thank Rylan for entertaining audiences so brilliantly for the past four years on Strictly It Takes Two.
"Rylan’s infectious personality, his stand-out sass and his genuine love for all the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, has been a big part of It Takes Two’s continued success. Rylan will always be part of the Strictly family of course, but I know he‘ll be hugely missed by all the Strictly It Takes Two viewers, Janette and everyone else who works on the show."
In a statement on social media, Rylan wrote: "After 4 fantastic years it’s time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two. I’ve had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette and Zoe and I can’t thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show.
"I’ve been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me. The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart… and dancing feet."
The BBC declined to comment. Helen was contacted for comment.
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