Strictly's Helen Skelton discusses bond with Gorka's partner Gemma Atkinson

"She understands what it’s like when you’re in my shoes."

By Harriet Mitchell

15 Nov 2022

Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton has opened up about her bond with Gorka Marquez's partner Gemma Atkinson.

Discussing the bond she shares with her professional dance partner Gorka's fiancée, former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star Gemma, Helen revealed their budding friendship.

Speaking to Closer magazine, Helen said she is lucky to have the support of someone like Gemma, who previously appeared on Strictly in 2017 where she reached the final with Aljaž Škorjanec.

Calling Gemma a "sweetheart", the former Blue Peter presenter said: "I’m so lucky because Gemma’s also done the show and she gets it."

helen skelton and gorka marquez, strictly come dancing 2022, week 2

BBC

Having competed on the series before, Skelton said that Gemma empathises and knows what it feels like: "She understands what it’s like when you’re in my shoes, so I feel like I get the benefit of that support."

The friendship should come as no surprise to fans, as Gemma previously took to Instagram to share her support for the pair, sharing a selfie of the two with the caption: "C’mon!!! Go out there and shine Helen! You’re gonna have the most Amazing time on Strictly! Will be rooting for you both."

Recently, Helen compared her experience on Strictly to being in Disneyland, saying: "I’m just really grateful to be involved. Strictly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s like being in Disneyland."

Mike MarslandGetty Images

"I knew it would be good. I didn’t know it would be this good. I can see why when people are in it. They gush about the team, experience and how keen they are to stay in. I totally get that. Before I came into it, I thought ‘oh yeah, it’ll be nice’. But it’s literally like being in Disneyland."

Praising her partner, Helen described Gorka as "a world-class dancer who spends all day teaching me how to dance. I’m very lucky, every bit is joyous."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows also stream on BBC iPlayer.

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