Gorka Marquez and former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton were highly praised as they made their dancefloor debut together on Saturday night. The pair floated across the floor on Strictly Come Dancing as they performed the American Smooth to Aretha Franklin's You Send Me.
The duo won over the judges with their gorgeous dance. They racked up a possible 26 points out of 40 for their performance. However, before the points came in, pro dancer Gorka told host Claudia Winkleman how Helen, 39, is unfortunately suffering from lack of confidence.
It didn't go unnoticed on the judging panel as she was advised to "own it" by Anton Du Beke. And Gorka said her confidence at the moment 'is not great.'
READ MORE:
He said: "She's great but she just needs to believe." He continued: "Her confidence at the moment is not great. But she just needs to believe in herself and believe she can do it because I think she has a lot of potential and she's a beautiful dancer. I believe in her."
And Helen joked: "I kept trying to leave." Ahead of their debut Gorka's fiancé Gemma Atkinson sent some bolstering words for Helen and to her man.
Sharing a photo of the smiling pair on her Instagram she typed: "C’mon!!! Cannot wait to see your beautiful dance guys! Go out there and shine Helen! You’re gonna have the most Amazing time on Strictly!"
She added: "Will be rooting for you both @gorka_marquez @helenskelton." On Friday viewers found out which celebrity would be paired with which professional dancer and viewers saw Gorka, 32, discover he'd be dancing with Helen.
The Countryfile presenter said she needed a partner who was “fun” and “patient” and could understand a northern accent. And as Gorka has made Greater Manchester his home alongside Bury-born fiancee Gemma and their daughter, Mia, he ticks Helen's boxes.
Taking to Instagram following the big reveal, Hits Radio host and former Hollyoaks actress Gemma, 37, shared a photo of the newly partnered pair and kept it simple as gushed to her millions of followers: "Dream team!"
Gorka excitedly posted about his dance partner for the first time. "YEAY!!!". He opened alongside a selfie of himself and Helen in the famous ballroom: "Finally the secret is over. So excited to be dancing with @helenskelton for this series.."
READ NEXT:
BBC One Strictly fans in disbelief about the number of Kym Marsh's grandchildren
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers rush to comment on Tess Daly's 'tin foil' outfit
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans make the same countdown comment seconds into series launch
- ITV Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien looks incredible in barbie pink as she shows off tanned legs for night out in Manchester
- Gorka Marquez brings home special BBC Strictly Come Dancing gift for daughter and Gemma Atkinson says she's 'obsessed'
