Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton took to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor on Saturday night (October 15) to perform a "fantastic" paso double with her dance partner Gorka Marquez. But it wasn't just the routine that got viewers taking to social media to praise.
After receiving comments from the judges encouraging Helen to have more belief in herself on the dancefloor, Gorka took it upon himself to issue a heartfelt speech to the mother-of-three, who had been having a "difficult time" recently, as it was revealed that the 39-year-old's estranged rugby star husband Richie Myler was expecting a baby with his new partner just six months after the couple announced their separation.
Before receiving their scores, Gorka - who is currently engaged to former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson, with whom he shares a three-year-old daughter - 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. Everybody here believes in you. Your family. It doesn't matter how many times I say or the judges say it or anybody says it, it's only you [who] is the one that's going to make the change and the one who needs to believe in you because you are an amazing woman, very inspirational, an amazing mum and incredible dancer. So believe in you, please."
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Viewers raced to Twitter to comment on the sweet gesture Gorka made to his dance partner before the pair received a 29 from the judges, making them fourth from the bottom on the scoreboard.
Kate Smedley said: "If I couldn't love Gorka more... basically gave the middle finger to Helen's ex."
Joshua Tindall said: "Gorka sticking up for Helen was everything."
Dani McLoughlin said: "Lovely words from Gorka. Helen is amazing. She deserves to be told she is."
@ArmourVicky said: "#HelenSkelton Well said Gorka Helen you are amazing and an absolute role model to your children" as well as @BevDavies5 who wrote: "Lovely words from Gorka about @HelenSkelton believe you are amazing#Strictly".
@MarisaGordonn also added: "Gorka…. You absolute legend! You tell them! #Strictly #BBCStrictly #GorkatheCorker" alongside @Carriewoos and @_mels13 who said: "I love Gorka! What a partner to have. Love how he’s got Helen’s back" and "We all need a cheerleader like Gorka. What beautiful words for dear Helen #strictly".
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