Helen Skelton has been hit with a TV tragedy as a charismatic man who appeared alongside her on Countryfile has sadly died.
Strictly Come Dancing star Helen, who has just won the show's live tour with new partner Kai Widdrington, filmed with avid climber Pete in the Peak District back in 2020, with both ther presenter and BBC viewers warmed by Pete's personality and his have a go attitude as Helen introduced him by saying: "When he's not in his favourite chair at the pub, local climbing legend Pete can be found dangling from rocks like these."
Pete then took Helen climbing with him, with the ex Blue Peter star managing to reach the top and telling her new companion: "As you get up, it gets slightly easier. It's more of a challenge at the bottom."
Praising Helen's efforts, Pete replied: ""I thought you did good there, that was good."
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Referring to his weekly climbs with friends, Helen then quipped: "Do I qualify for Tuesday club?" with Pete then giving her the seal of approval.
After Pete told Helen that he and his fellow climbers liked to celebrate their accomplishments with a pint down the local, the Cumbrian biorn star told Pete that he was 'an absolute joy,' as their time together ended.
Pete's death was confirmed by Countryfile host Ellie Harrison on the show, when she told viewers watching at home; ""Sadly, since filming, Pete has passed away but his rock climbing adventures continue to inspire.."
The news was met with sadness by fans of the long-running show who, like HElen, were instantly impressed by Pete. Taking to Twitter, one posted: "Oh, that is sad. Bless you, Pete."
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