Helen Skelton has spoken publicly for the first time about the emotional fallout from her split from ex-husband, rugby star Richie Myler, describing the experience as 'humiliating' and 'mortifying'. The 42-year-old television presenter, known for her roles on Blue Peter and Countryfile, announced their separation in April 2022 via an Instagram Story, writing: 'Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.'
Three Children and a Public Split
Helen and Richie share three children: sons Ernie and Louis, and daughter Elsie Kate, who was born in December 2021, just months before their split. The breakup thrust Helen into the spotlight, but she chose to channel her energy into a new challenge: competing on Strictly Come Dancing. She made it all the way to the final alongside professional partner Gorka Marquez.
Feeling 'Humiliated' in a Small Community
In an interview with The Times, Helen revealed how the split affected her sense of privacy. 'It felt humiliating to me because of where I’m from. I didn’t enjoy walking down the street and people knowing stuff about my past,' she said. She explained that gossip spread quickly in her 'tiny community', with her dairy farmer father, Richard, overhearing chatter at his local golf club. Even routine errands became uncomfortable, as 'Susan from the meat counter at Sainsbury’s' would inquire about her love life during the weekly shop.
Strictly as a 'Revenge Dance'
Helen credited Strictly Come Dancing with giving her a platform to show everyone she was thriving despite the end of her marriage. Her performance of 'Mein Herr' from Cabaret was widely dubbed her 'revenge dance'. She recalled: 'It struck a chord. One of the dancers said, "You did that for all of us, didn't you?" I wanted to have my own narrative. I was sick of the patronising looks, the "Ooh, how are you?" I didn't have the capacity to say, "I'm brilliant, how are you?" That's what the dance did.'
Support from Celebrity Friends
Following the interview, Helen received an outpouring of support on Instagram. Strictly dancer Karen Hauer commented: 'Hell yes!! What a woman.' Gemma Atkinson, former contestant and fiancée of pro dancer Gorka, responded with a string of flame emojis. Dr Punam Krishan, who also danced with Gorka, wrote: 'Love you - such an inspirational human and all round legend.' Nadiya Bychkova added: 'Love this,' while broadcaster Dan Walker posted: 'Team Helen.' Fellow Strictly stars Jowita Przystal and Johannes Radebe left heart emojis, and ex-BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin said: 'You are incredible.'
