Strictly Come Dancing sensation Helen Skelton has revealed the surprising source of wisdom that helped her through the intense pressure of the BBC dance competition - former I'm A Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison.
The Countryfile presenter, who became a fan favourite during the 2022 series, credits Pattison with providing crucial advice about handling the emotional rollercoaster of reality television.
The Unexpected Mentor
"Vicky gave me some brilliant advice," Skelton confessed during a recent interview. "She told me straight: 'You're going to have amazing days and you're going to have days where you feel rubbish.' That honesty really resonated with me."
The former Blue Peter host explained how Pattison's candid words helped her maintain perspective during the demanding rehearsal schedule and public scrutiny that comes with competing on one of television's most watched shows.
Beyond the Glitterball
Skelton's journey on Strictly captured the nation's heart, particularly as she navigated the competition following her separation from husband Richie Myler earlier in 2022. The mother of three demonstrated remarkable resilience, making it all the way to the final with professional partner Gorka Marquez.
"What Vicky understood was that it's not just about learning dance steps," Skelton revealed. "It's about managing emotions, dealing with fatigue, and handling the overwhelming nature of suddenly being in the public eye in such an intense way."
The Reality TV Support Network
The conversation highlights the growing support network among reality TV stars who understand the unique pressures of competing in high-profile television shows. Pattison, who won I'm A Celebrity in 2015, has become something of an unofficial mentor to those entering the reality TV sphere.
"There's a camaraderie among people who've been through similar experiences," Skelton noted. "Vicky's advice was practical, honest, and came from someone who genuinely understood what I was going through."
A New Chapter
Since her Strictly journey ended, Skelton has continued to build her broadcasting career while embracing her new-found confidence. The dancer-turned-presenter has spoken openly about how the experience helped her rediscover her self-belief during a challenging personal period.
"Strictly came at exactly the right time for me," she reflected. "And having people like Vicky in my corner made all the difference when things felt overwhelming."
