EXCLUSIVE: Strictly's Helen Skelton advice to Vicky Pattison after Tess Daly forced to apologise
Helen Skelton opens up about the chaos of parenting, her words of wisdom to Strictly star Vicky, why she adores getting outside and her fitting new fashion collab with Go Outdoors...
The autumn nights may be drawing in, but you won’t find TV presenter Helen Skelton huddled under a blanket on the sofa, hiding from the outside world. The Morning Live host says hibernating the moment the temperature drops isn’t her style – she’d much rather be outdoors with her children, Ernie, nine, Louis, eight, and three-year-old Elsie.
For Helen, who split from her ex-husband, former rugby league player Richie Myler, in 2022, keeping herself and the kids active is key to a happy life. “The little people in my life are like coiled springs,” she laughs, as she talks exclusively to OK!. “They are full of energy, full of beans. I always feel like my kids are like little puppies – if they have walks and treats, they just seem to enjoy themselves better.”
There’s one thing likely to lure the active mum back into her living room though, and that’s Strictly Come Dancing. Helen, 42, finished runner-up on the 2022 series of the dance competition.
Still a huge fan of the show, she says she fully empathises with this year’s crop of nervous contestants. “People used to say to me, ‘You look like you just wanna get off.’ But if you’re nervous, you’re nervous,” she reasons. “It’s kind of the metaphorical equivalent of jumping out of a plane. And I’ve jumped out of the plane now, so I’ve just got to enjoy the view.”
Here, Helen opens up about her full-on life, finding joy in dressing down and which hunky Strictly star she’s got her eye on.
You always seem full of energy. Do you find it tough juggling work with bringing up three lively children?
I don’t know if it is tough… I think it’s a privilege. Don’t get me wrong, I’m exasperated all the time, but I’m super grateful that I get to do it. My kids are full-on but they’re so funny. Everyone talks about the juggle these days, but I just think it’s living. We’ve just got to reframe it and go, “I’m so lucky that I have spinning plates, that I like the plates and I don’t want the plates to fall off the sticks.”
You’re known for your love of the great outdoors. What benefits do you get from being outside?
I’m old enough to know the things that make me feel better. The wind and rain on my face, walking up a big hill and feeling your legs burning and your lungs burning, throwing a ball outside, watching the dog run across the field… that stuff makes me feel good.
All that outdoor exercise must keep you in great shape too...
Walking up a hill ticks a lot of boxes. You’re enjoying the great outdoors, which is good for your mental health, but you’re also literally working your ass off. I think two-for-one is what you want when you’re a working parent.
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At this time of year, are you ever tempted to stay indoors and get cosy?
I don’t think of this as a “cosy down” season – I think it’s still very much a “get outside” season. I do not have the kind of kids, or friends, who are very good if left inside for long periods of time. Sure, I like to put the fire on and enjoy a film, but I also like to be out. I eat better. I sleep better. I’m just a better person when I’ve been outside and done something that gets the blood pumping and gets oxygen in your lungs.
You live in the Lake District, which must be beautiful at this time of year…
We get unbelievable colours – the reds and the browns and the yellows. The older I get, the more I really appreciate the seasons.
You spend a lot of time in sportswear. How would you describe your style?
Practical and functional, which sounds really boring. I wear stuff that makes me feel good. I wear stuff that I can run about in, and I wear stuff that’s comfy.
It makes sense that you have teamed up with Go Outdoors then …
I spend so much time outside, it’s a no brainer. I’ve worked with them for a while now. Some girls want to work with Louis Vuitton, but I was excited to work with Regatta, North Face and those brands.
What’s your must-have jacket for autumn? In this type of weather I want something lightweight that will keep me warm no matter where I am – whether that’s filming in the middle of the countryside or just heading out on a long walk with the children. I’m loving the Peter Storm Blisco III hooded jacket for colder days, and I pretty much live in the Montane Hydron GORE-TEX jacket.
As a former Strictly contestant, are you keeping up with the current series?
I watched Kai [Widdrington] and Vicky [Pattison] and I see why she’s so terrified. You watch all those other people who are desperate to get out there and you’re like, ‘Why can’t I be that? Why can’t I be excited to get on the dance floor and not worry?’ You’ve just got to stop worrying about anyone else.
Do you have a favourite?
I like Harry [Aikines-Aryeetey], the Gladiator. I think he’s one to watch.
Helen is a proud ambassador for GO Outdoors, Shop Helen’s new Autumn Winter collection online and in-stores nationwide.
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