Helen Skelton has addressed claims that Strictly Come Dancing has been “fixed” after she won a dance competition years ago.
The 39-year-old presenter laughed off the accusations as she appeared on Lorraine on Wednesday ahead of Strictly 2022, which begins next Saturday.
Skelton will be joining a long line-up of new celebrities on the dancefloor, including Kym Marsh, Will Mellor, Matt Goss, Fleur East and many more.
The Countryfile host addressed the show’s “fix” rumours after a resurfaced BBC interview of her aged 17 showed her winning a Ken Dodd tap dancing award.
When Lorraine Kelly asked if she thinks her tap dancing will “help her” on Strictly, Skelton replied: “I find that so funny, you know they said ‘It’s a fix! Helen’s a tap-dancing champion!’
“I was like, ‘When I was seven, yes, I did tap dancing.’”
The TV star went on to explain how her background in dancing started from a young age and she later stopped, which she now regrets.
“I did dancing, absolutely loved it, hit an age when I didn’t want to wear a leotard in public and I gave it up,” Skelton continued.
“I wish that I hadn’t. But now, bring it back!”
Skelton has certainly stood out already among the new Strictly contestants for her tap-dancing talents.
Perhaps she might get the chance to show off her moves on the show, after Kelly pointed out that the dancing style hasn’t yet been performed in the competition.
Skelton responded: “Well you never know. If there is, that’s my week!”
The BBC presenter reportedly signed up to Strictly days after her ex husband Richie Myler publicly confirmed his new relationship with girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill.
Skelton announced she had split from Myler, 32, back in April, fourth months after welcoming their third child.
Despite the struggles in her personal life this year, Skelton is excited at this latest chapter in her career as she takes on Strictly.
“I love the challenge and I love the learning,” Skelton added.
“It’s an amazing experience and technically it’s work so it’s winner winner winner. And it’s really nice to work on a programme that my mum and dad actually want to watch.”
