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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Helen Skelton beams in the arms of new Strictly partner Kai Widdrington after Gorka Marquez message

Helen Skelton looked sensational as she slipped back into her Strictly Come Dancing clobber and posed up a storm with her new dance partner. The former Blue Peter presenter has re-entered the Strictly bubble alongside a number of her co-stars as the popular show hits the road.

The Strictly Live tour kicked off in Birmingham on Thursday night (January 19) with Helen joining fellow finalists Fleur East and Molly Rainford as well as winner Hamza and fellow Strictly 2022 alumni Tyler West, Ellie Simmonds and Will Mellor.

Ahead of their first show with the BBC One dance contest's line-up of professional dancers, as well as host Janette Manrara and judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, all appeared at Birmingham's Utilita Arena for a press call where they teased some of their moves and outfits for the string of big shows.

READ MORE: Gemma Atkinson responds as she's told 'not to marry' Gorka Marquez

And it is the first time Helen, 39, has officially been seen without her dance partner Gorka Marquez. The Countryfile star and the Spanish dancer made it to the final of Strictly last month but the pair just missed out on the coveted Glitterball trophy to winners Hamza and Jowita Przystal.

But Gorka will be missing from the live shows. The 32-year-old hasn't signed up for the tour and last week he shared the real reason why after leaving fans 'gutted'. "After the Strictly series I always like to take some down time to spend quality time with Gem and Mia," he said in an Instagram Q&A.

"I am grateful for the work but I also think spending time with family is important. Time flies and we won't get those memories back." But he did have another message for fans." Helen will instead be dancing with Kai Widdrington.

Helen looked sensational at the tour's press launch (Getty Images)

Ahead of the first show, the pair posed together in front of the cameras. Mum-of-three Helen looked stunning a green mini dress that had been truly Strictlyfied by being covered in tassels and sequins. One one image she could be seen in the arms of Kai with her tanned legs kicked up into the air.

Her new dance partner, meanwhile, was seen donning a plunging blue satin shirt which had been paired with burgundy trousers. The pair also joined the rest of the group who also put on a colourful display in an array of eye-catching outfits.

Helen and Kai's first official appearance together comes after Gorka showed his support with a simple message. Helen shared her excitement for the tour in a post shared by the show's official Instagram page. The post was a photo of Helen and Kai, along with a short statement from the TV star which read: "Strictly has been the adventure of a lifetime and I'm so happy that it will continue on the live tour.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans across the country and performing my favourite dances from the series. I can't wait!" And Gorka, who is engaged to former Strictly finalist Gemma Atkinson, was quick to respond to the post, replying: "LG Team," with Kai replying: "Let's go."

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