Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton has said that she felt "battle-hardened" going into the show following the sudden end to her eight-year marriage.
The 39-year-old, who presents Countryfile, has also said that despite being approached last-minute, she was keen to give the dancing competition a go. She added that she had been offered chances to go on Strictly in the past, but turned them down.
Helen was said to have been blindsided after her husband of eight years, Leeds Rhinos star Richie Myler, ended their marriage and left the family home back in April.
As reported by the Mirror, Helen has spoken out about her feelings going into the ballroom and Latin dance show. She said that she felt as ready as ever to perform in front of the big lights.
“I came into this show quite battle-hardened," she admitted.
She explained how Strictly is probably quite overwhelming for a lot of people, but she felt that she was in the right mindset to be on the show.
She said: "Other people were worried about all the attention that comes with being on Strictly, or baring their souls on the telly, whereas I was ready for that."
Helen added during a chat with The Sun that she is happy that people can now talk more openly about their mental health. She spoke about how she sees her brain as being like a muscle which requires exercise to keep in check.
The Strictly star also shared that she had been asked to go on the show previously but had turned it down. Now that she feels ready she explains that she's taking part in the series to have some fun.
She says that she was approached fairly last minute and as she had nothing holding her back, she went for it. Although Helen admits that her friends encouraged her to join up, saying that "they made me do it".
Helen adds that she loves seeing her family having a great time through her as she takes part in Strictly.
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