Helen Skelton has addressed her tap dancing success as a child after allegations of a ‘fix’ scandal on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 39-year-old former Blue Peter presenter – who is joining the series months after splitting for her husband Richie Myler – answered questions on whether she would have an upper hand for the 2022 season.
Appearing on ITV show Lorraine, host Lorraine Kelly asked if her tap dancing past would help, after an old interview revealed she won a dance competition in her teenage years.
Helen laughed as she replied: “I found it so funny when they said it was a fix – Helen’s a tap dancing champion. When I was seven, yes, I did tap dancing.”
She added: “Like lots of little girls and boys, I did dancing and absolutely loved it. Hit an age where I didn't want to be in a leotard in public and I gave it up. I wish I hadn't.”
Lorraine replied: “But there’s never tap dancing in Strictly that I’ve ever seen,” Helen then crossed her fingers as she said: “Well, you never know. If there is, that’s my week.”
Speaking about her decision to take on Strictly, Helen said: “When they asked me, I said there’s too much going on and my friends said, ‘You have to do it’.
“Who gets to go to work, put on an amazing dress, have their makeup done and someone even makes your lunch!”
Lorraine said: “You do get spoiled and if there's anyone who deserves to be spoiled, it’s you.
“You get looked after like a princess and that’s absolutely fine. You’re learning from people at the absolute top of their game.”
Helen replied: “I just think, for me, I love the challenge and I love the learning. It’s an amazing experience.”
Last month the complete line-up was officially announced with Kym Marsh, Will Mellor and Kaye Adams all set to take part, as well as James Bye and Tony Adams.
Joining them are Hamza Yassin, Fleur East, Molly Rainford, Ellie Taylor and Matt Goss. Also on the bill are Tyler West, Ellie Simmonds, Jayde Adams and Richie Anderson.
Strictly officially has a start date as it is set to hit screens on Saturday, September 17, pro dancer Johannes Radebe confirmed.
The celebrity dance show typically follows a week by week dance format as the couples are whittled down and the finale creeps closer, but there is a new themed week being added to the proceedings this autumn.
Alongside the likes of Halloween, Blackpool and Musicals Week there will be a round of dances dedicated to the BBC, which will see this year's celebs sashay to theme tunes from the Beeb’s most famous shows.
