TV presenter Helen Skelton has revealed why now was the perfect time for her to join Strictly Come Dancing.
The 39-year-old Countryfile star was confirmed as part of this year's lineup last month alongside Paralympian Ellie Simmonds and Loose Women's Kaye Adams. Helen said at the time that she was "really excited" to take part and to "get stuck into a fun adventure".
Speaking on Lorraine this morning, September 7, the mum-of-three said she initially had her reservations about joining the popular BBC show due to other commitments and raising her kids. However, her friends convinced her to sign up.
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"When they [BBC] asked me, I said 'oh, no, there's too much going on' and my friends made a good point: 'the bigger your children, the bigger the problem'," Helen said.
To which Lorraine replied: "Oh, that's true. So, when they are tiny, it's easier I guess."
Helen said: "Well, I don't know, ask me in 15 years. But my friends said 'you have to do it, you have to do it'.
"And actually, for goodness sake, who gets to go to work and put on an amazing dress, have their makeup done, even getting your lunch - someone makes you lunch."
Lorraine said: "The thing is, you do get spoiled - if anybody deserves to be spoiled, it's you." The Scottish TV host also asked Helen about her previous dancing experience.
The Countryfile presenter has come under criticism for taking part in the show, with some claiming she has an unfair advantage due to having previous dancing experience during childhood. Lorraine asked: "When you were wee you did a bit of tap dancing, is that going to help in any way at all?"
Helen replied: "Oh I found it so funny, do you mean when they said 'Fix, Helen is a tap dancing champion' and I was like 'When I was seven, yes' I did tap dancing."
Lorraine joked that there hasn't yet been a 'tap dancing week' on the show. Helen responded: "Well you never know if there is that is my week! Like most little girls and boys I did dancing and I absolutely loved it. [But] I hit an age where I didn't want to be in a leotard in public and I gave it up and I wish that I hadn't!"
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Helen also said she was excited to star in a show that her parents enjoy watching. She said: "I love the challenge and I love the learning and it's an amazing experience, and technically it's work so it's winner, winner, winner.
"And the best thing for me is, it's really nice to work on a programme that my mum and dad actually want to watch and not feel like they have to watch. My mum is so excited and all her friends are so excited."
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