Despite having a tough year, Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton is refusing to let it get her down.
Earlier this year, the Countryfile presenter was heartbroken to announce that her marriage to Richie Myler, 32, had come to an end, telling fans that he'd left the family home.
Shortly after their split, the rugby star began dating Stephanie Thirkill, 32, the daughter of Leeds Rhinos' president Andrew Thirkill.
The pair are now expecting their first child together. And instead of moping around, Helen, 39, threw herself into training for Strictly Come Dancing, impressing the judges week in, week out with her performances, writes The Mirror.
According to one source, Helen's courage is commendable, considering she was 'blindsided' by Richie's departure.
They said: "She was absolutely dumbstruck when it finally ended. The split has been incredibly tough on Helen, she is being supported by her family and friends who are all rallying around her. Everyone is in a state of shock at their break up."
The source told The Sun that prior to their split, Helen already noticed signs that things weren't as they should be in her marriage.
They added: "Helen has known something hasn’t been right in the marriage for a while now."
Since their split, Helen and her three kids have moved to her parents' farm in Cumbria, where she is making the most of enjoying her own independence and no longer having to life the 'transient' life of rugby. For Helen's part, the last thing she sees herself as is a victim.
She told The Telegraph : "I don't see myself as a victim, no, because I mean, look…"
"There are a lot of people who have been in my situation who haven't been given the opportunities that I've got.Don’t get me wrong, I have my days when I'm p***ed off. But equally, in this job, you're in a lot of people's lives, which gives you a phenomenal amount of perspective."
Insisting she is 'owning' Strictly and her current experiences, Helen said she's right where she should be and confirmed that she's got no intention of looking for anyone new right now.
She added: "Not only is my glass half full, but I've actually got a glass. I've got loads to be thankful for. I'm not going to worry about the one thing I haven't got."
*Strictly Come Dancing returns on Sunday at 7.20pm on BBC One.
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