Helen Skelton had nothing but gratitude for pro partner Gorka Marquez ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing final.
The Countryfile presenter, 39, made it to the final four alongside Molly Rainford, Fleur East, and Hamza Yassin after weeks of waltzing and tangoing across the ballroom floor.
Helen – who signed up for the dance show following her marriage split from Richie Myler – has spoken about struggling with her confidence after the tough time in her life.
However, viewers have loved watching her grow over the weeks, and it seems Spanish partner Gorka has had a huge impact.
During emotional rehearsals for their show dance, Gorka told her: ‘I am very proud of you as I think you’ve grown a lot, and you’re gonna leave this show being a happier person.’
A very tearful Helen replied: ‘You can outwardly see how different I am and you have made me remember who I am and that is the biggest and kindest and best thing anyone can ever do for somebody.’
‘You put faith in me that I didn’t have,’ she praised.
Viewers at home were in bits over the sweet moment, with one tweeting: ‘The best thing about #Helen tonight on #Strictly is that she really seems to have found herself to the extent that I don’t think the trophy can mean quite as much to her as what the show and #Gorka have done’.
‘Awww Helen and Gorka, such an amazing partnership and Helen’s journey has been a joy to watch. Helen absolutely should celebrate herself’, wrote another.
One added that Helen and Gorka will ‘always be winners in my eyes.’
Others hailed her show dance ‘perfection’ and applauded the TV star for how she ‘lived and breathed’ the dance.
It wasn’t just fans at home who praised Helen after her dazzling routine to Shine by Emeli Sande.
The couple received praise from the judges for opening their hearts during the performance.
Judge Motsi Mabuse said: ‘I could see the joy in your dancing, I could see you opening your heart out.’
Craig Revel Horwood also praised her and Gorka for being a real team together.
Helen received 37 points, and also performed her jive to Tightrope to Janelle Monáe and her Cabaret couple’s choice from Musicals Week.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
