Helen Skelton shares reason she thinks marriage to Richie Myler broke down

Helen Skelton has admitted she was in total “shock” when she realised she and rugby ace husband Richie Myler would be splitting up after almost a decade together.

The 40-year-old had just given birth to their third child, daughter Elsie, and the couple had been renovating a recently purchased property in Leeds.

“I know that following break-ups, people often say they didn’t see it coming and it sounds like a cliche, but that was me,” she explained in her memoir.

She has speculated over whether she may have become too “consumed” by her children, her work as a successful TV presenter or the pair’s house renovation project to have seen it coming.

Helen also wondered if she may have missed or “ignored signs” that the marriage was drawing to a close.

READ NOW: Jonnie Irwin can’t stop ‘smiling’ as he confirms return to TV

By the time the Strictly 2022 contestant was due on stage in front of the nation with pro partner Gorka Marquez, her marriage was already over and her confidence shattered.

Gorka noticed – and by Week Two he’d started to ask her the reason she didn’t seem to feel “sexy”.

“It was an awkward question that immediately made me cringe,” Helen explained in excerpts obtained by The Sun.

“Why ask me that?! I was just there for the banter. I have never been sexy, I was the cute and funny type.

“He was asking a woman with three children under six, whose husband had just left her and was with another woman, TO BE SEXY.”

Don’t miss…
Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova speaks out after tearful exit from Pride of Britain[LATEST]
Peter Andre, 50, to become a dad for 5th time as he and wife announce baby news[PREGNANCY]
The Repair Shop expert gasps ‘Can’t watch’ as Steve restores show’s oldest item[INSIGHT]

Helen quizzed who could feel good about themselves in that scenario – but then a routine was found that helped the sorrowful Summer On The Farm star get her mojo back.

During Musicals Week, she wore a suspenders set for her dance to Mein Herr from Cabaret, and she channelled the persona of “gritty survivor” Sally Bowles.

With the choreographer presenting it as her own “f*** you moment”, she exclaimed: “We had found a dance which let me own my own moment and be the boss.”

Gorka also delivered a passionate speech declaring her “an amazing woman, mother and incredible dancer” on live TV.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Strictly’s Gorka disappointed he didn’t win with Helen Skelton

“Can I just say something? I know you have been having a difficult time and you may not feel like you are good enough or beautiful.

“Even if you don’t believe in yourself, I believe in you, your family believes in you. Everyone here believes in you,” Gorka encouraged on the BBC show.

Conflicted Helen felt embarrassed and was torn between wanting to hug him and “dying inside” and wishing he would “shut up”.

However, after the audience and fellow dancers erupted into cheers, and she received extra encouragement from host Claudia Winkleman, she reached a turning point – and the hardworking mum-of-three scarcely seems to have looked back since.

Helen Skelton’s autobiography, In My Stride: Lessons Learned Through Life And Adventure, published by Headline, is available now.

Source: Read Full Article