Helen Skelton has expressed her interest in competing on ITV’s Dancing On Ice but instead signed up for BBC rival show Strictly Come Dancing.
The Countryfile presenter, 39, was the final celebrity contestant confirmed for the series after signing up last minute.
Speaking before her role on Strictly was announced, Helen told The Sun: ‘I like to do anything that challenges me.’
Awkward! Helen Skelton has expressed her interest in competing on ITV’s Dancing On Ice but instead signed up for BBC rival show Strictly Come Dancing
She showed interest in competing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! but then revealed: ‘I’d love Dancing On Ice. Where else can you learn to be an ice dancer?’
Helen also explained: ‘I don’t have a career plan and never have. I try not to worry about the future. I just say yes to things that put food on my table and a smile on my face.’
Regan Gascoigne was crowned the winner of Dancing On Ice 2022, beating out Brendan Cole and Kimberly Wyatt in one of the closest finals in the show’s history.
The Countryfile presenter, 39, showed interest in competing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! but then revealed: ‘I’d love Dancing On Ice. Where else can you learn to be an ice dancer?’
Helen – who was widely tipped to be taking part in the BBC ballroom show – said when the news was first announced: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.’
On her first BBC Radio 5 show since the announcement, Helen criticised her dancing skills but explained how she can’t wait to learn.
Helen told listeners: ‘I can’t decide if it’s the best or worst thing I’ve agreed to and it hasn’t started yet!’
She went on to explain she only signed up a few days ago: ‘The thing that makes me nervous… I agreed to it a few days ago and people keep saying, ‘Can you dance?’ and I say no because isn’t it the point to learn to dance?’
Champion! Regan Gascoigne was crowned the winner of Dancing On Ice 2022, beating out Brendan Cole and Kimberly in one of the closest finals in the show’s history (pictured with pro Karina Manta)
Speaking about the glamorous side of Strictly, she said: ‘Most mums go to work and any mum who gets the chance to gets to go to work have their makeup done, their tea made and learn something fun… I thought that’s a gift isn’t it?’
Former Strictly winner Ore Oduba joined the programme as the pair discussed how demanding the dance show can be, while she predicted Helen will walk away with the glitterball trophy.
The mother-of-three started her TV career in children’s television, presenting Newsround and Blue Peter on the BBC.
Whilst presenting on Blue Peter for 5 years she took on some incredible challenges, including completing the Namibia Ultra Marathon, cycling to the South Pole and kayaking over 2018 miles down the Amazon River.
Since then, she has presented shows across various channels, including Countryfile, several major sporting events for BBC Sport, ITV’s Lorraine, BT Sport’s FA Women’s Super League football matches.
She has also hosted Channel 4’s Rugby league Super league coverage and Inside The Superbrands in addition to the highly successful On The Farm series for Channel 5 and being a regular on ITV Tonight.
Ex: Helen was left devastated earlier this year when her husband Richie Myler, 32, ended their eight-year marriage (pictured in February)
Helen was left devastated earlier this year when her husband Richie Myler, 32, ended their eight-year marriage and struck up a relationship with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32.
Rugby star Richie announced his split from the TV presenter, in April – four months after they welcomed their third child together – and his relationship with Stephanie came to light just days later.
Stephanie is the daughter of Andrew Thirkill, who is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds and is worth an estimated £175 million.
Helen was said to feel ‘bewildered’ by the breakdown of her marriage, with a source close to the couple telling MailOnline: ‘Helen is absolutely devastated.’
The former couple are parents to two young sons Ernie, six, Louis, five, and daughter Elsie Kate, seven months.
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