Strictly's Helen Skelton stuns One Show studio as she spills who she sees as competition

Helen Skelton prompted silence in the One Show studio earlier this week when answering a question about who she thinks is in competition with her on Strictly Come Dancing.

The presenter, 39, and her dance partner Gorka Marquez, 32, were on the BBC talk show on Friday (October 21). They appeared to discuss their time in the ballroom contest.

They were asked about their fellow competitors by Alex Jones and Ronan Keating, both 45. The former asked: "Name one couple you think might be in competition with you".

In response, Helen immediately replied: " Tony Adams ". Her answer was met with a wave of silence in the studio, with others on set seemingly surprised by the name given.

Gorka Marquez and Helen Skelton appeared on the One Show earlier this week (BBC)

Tony, 56, is partnered with Katya Jones, 33, on Strictly. Although proving popular with viewers, they have been towards the bottom of the judges' leaderboard each week.

The reaction to Helen's answer prompted further comment from her. Attempting to explain herself, as host Alex looked unconvinced, she said: "No, I'm [serious]".

During the exchange, Gorka appeared to be amused. Whilst fellow guest Fred Sirieix, 50, was seen turning to host Alex as former Blue Peter presenter Helen justified her answer.

They were asked about their competition on Strictly by hosts Alex Jones and Ronan Keating (BBC)

Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror here .

Seemingly addressing the reaction, Helen said: "You're saying that like it's a bad thing." She then added: "Tony came into this as the 'comedy [act'] but he's so good, isn't he?"

Responding to the question posed by his dance partner, Gorka diplomatically said: "Yeah, I think they're all good". Helen subsequently reiterated: "He's so good".

Sharing her thoughts following Helen's explanation, Alex commented: "Last week to be fair he was excellent". Her co-host Ronan said: "He was very good [last week]".

Helen named Tony Adams (left), pictured with his dance partner Katya Jones (right), as someone in competition with her and Gorka (BBC/Guy Levy)

Earlier in the episode Gorka had been asked a similar question. He responded: "This year, it's not a cliché, but it's a very good series. Everybody is so good and the level is so equal".

The professional dancer – who's been on Strictly since 2016 – added: "We don't really know like what is going to happen any week". He said everyone needs to be "ready to go".

The One Show airs weekdays on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm. Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow with its latest results show on BBC One and iPlayer from 6.45pm.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.