Helen Skelton ‘underwhelmed’ by her Strictly Come Dancing performances despite making it to week 7

Helen Skelton has admitted to having felt “underwhelmed” after watching her Strictly Come Dancing performances at home.

The Countryfile presenter, 39, who recently moved back to Cumbria, has spoken fondly of her professional dancer Gorka Marquez on social media. However, she explained to Claudia Winkleman that watching their performances back isn’t always satisfying.

“If this isn’t what you normally do, you think you are giving a big lift, and then you watch it back and you are like ‘oh, that is underwhelming’

“In my head I am right over there, but then when I watch it, I am like ‘oh, I get it’,” Helen said.

Gorka explained that he doesn’t give Helen easy steps because he believes that she wants a challenge.

“She’s a very good student. She listens and she works very hard, so I give the most difficult things,” Gorka said.

The admission came ahead of the results for their foxtrot performance during the Halloween special, where they dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

The pair were all smiles after comments from the judges stating that they are improving each week. Oti Mabuse told them that they were giving “final vibes” despite the show only being in its sixth week.

However, Helen and Gorka failed to match the high score they achieved previously and were awarded a total of 32 for their performance to the song Lil’ Red Riding Hood by Sam The Sham and The Pharaohs.

BBC Strictly fans appeared to be as divided as the judges about who gave the most impressive performance of the week.

Posting on Twitter, one wrote: “I haven’t watched #Strictly for years but caught a bit this morning and if you can honestly tell me howww Helen’s performance as a dancer was equal marks to, and Ellie T’s marked higher than Fleur East’s than I’m genuinely intrigued? Madness. That girl has serious talent.”

Another said: “I adore Helen. Every week she is cementing herself in my top three favourites this season. ❤️ #Strictly”

A third added: “Helen is phenomenal, she will so be in the final. And I hope she performs the Blue Peter theme tune again in the final. #Strictly”

A fourth commented: “Helen is so brilliant. Must be going through hell in her personal life and every week she come out and smashes it. Everyone should vote for her. #Strictly”

James Bye and his professional dance partner Amy Dowden were booted off the show, while Helen and Gorka ended the week in the middle of the leaderboard.

Gorka thanked his 716,000 followers for keeping them on the show with a snap taken behind the scenes.

Gorka penned the caption: “That got a bit scary…😬 Thank you to everyone who voted for us to stay in the competition. Your love and support means the world to us!🙏🏻❤️ So grateful to dance for another week with @helenskelton 😁😁 Week 7 here we come!!! @bbcstrictly”