Tuesday 16 August 2022 01:16 AM Helen Skelton follows pro dancer as she signs up for Strictly Come Dancing trends now Helen Skelton signed up for Strictly Come Dancing after her estranged husband Richie Myler shared a loved-up snap with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill. The Countryfile presenter, 39, revealed on her first BBC Radio 5 show since the announcement: 'The thing that makes me nervous... I agreed to it a few days ago and people keep saying, 'Can you dance?' and I say no because isn't it the point to learn to dance?' Helen announced her split from The rugby star, 32, in April - four months after they welcomed their third child together. Strictly: Helen Skelton signed up for Strictly Come Dancing after her estranged husband Richie Myler shared a loved-up snap with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill And after keeping his new romance relatively low-key in the weeks that followed, Richie went Instagram official with his new love Stephanie, 32, earlier this month as they enjoyed a romantic mini-break in Cornwall. A source told The Mirror that signing up for Strictly would give her a lift, adding: “The breakdown of any marriage is tough to cope with, and Helen has understandably found it difficult. Being on Strictly will undoubtedly restore her confidence.” Speaking about the glamorous side of Strictly, Helen said: 'Most mums go to work and any mum who gets the chance to gets to go to work have their makeup done, their tea made and learn something fun... I thought that's a gift isn't it?' New couple: After keeping his new romance relatively low-key in the weeks that followed, Richie went Instagram official with his new love Stephanie, 32, earlier this month as they enjoyed a romantic mini-break in Cornwall It comes after Helen followed professional dancer Neil Jones over the weekend and the feeling was mutual as he was quick to return the favour. Neil has previously danced with Alex Scott and Nina Wadia - while he could potentially be paired with Helen, however the launch show has not yet been filmed. When the news was first announced, Helen said: 'I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started.' Co-star: Helen followed professional dancer Neil Jones over the weekend and the feeling was mutual as he was quick to return the favour Helen was left devastated earlier this year when her husband Richie Myler, 32, ended their eight-year marriage and struck up a relationship with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32. Rugby star Richie announced his split from the TV presenter, in April - four months after they welcomed their third child together - and his relationship with Stephanie came to light just days later. Stephanie is the daughter of Andrew Thirkill, who is one of the richest businessmen in Leeds and is worth an estimated £175 million. Helen was said to feel 'bewildered' by the breakdown of her marriage, with a source close to the couple telling MailOnline: 'Helen is absolutely devastated.' The former couple are parents to two young sons Ernie, six, Louis, five, and daughter Elsie Kate, seven months. Ex: The rugby star, 32, announced his split from wife Helen Skelton, 39, in April - four months after they welcomed their third child together (pictured in February) The mother-of-three started her TV career in children's television, presenting Newsround and Blue Peter on the BBC. Whilst presenting on Blue Peter for 5 years she took on some incredible challenges, including completing the Namibia Ultra Marathon, cycling to the South Pole and kayaking over 2018 miles down the Amazon River. Since then, she has presented shows across various channels, including Countryfile, several major sporting events for BBC Sport, ITV's Lorraine, BT Sport's FA Women's Super League football matches. She has also hosted Channel 4's Rugby league Super league coverage and Inside The Superbrands in addition to the highly successful On The Farm series for Channel 5 and being a regular on ITV Tonight. STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS? KYM MARSH Age: 46 Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter Kym says: 'I'm so delighted that this year they have! I'm a huge fan of the show and can't believe I'm going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.' RICHIE ANDERSON Age: 34 Profession: Radio presenter Richie says: 'This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!' ELLIE SIMMONDS Age: 27 Profession: Former athlete Ellie says: 'To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it's going to so much fun.' TYLER WEST Age: 26 Profession: Radio DJ Tyler says: 'It's a show that means so much to me and my family and I can't wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.' ELLIE TAYLOR Age: 38 Profession: Comedian Ellie says: 'Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!' TONY ADAMS MBE Profession: Retired footballer and manager Tony says: 'To say I’m excited is an understatement - the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes' JAMES BYE Age: 38 Profession: EastEnders actor James says 'I'm not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes - in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it's an honour to be asked and I'm going to give it my best shot.' HELEN SKELTON Age: 39 Profession: TV and radio broadcaster Helen says: 'I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started' WILL MELLOR Age: 46 Profession: Actor Will says: 'I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about. This is also my Mum's favourite show and she's had a really tough few years so I'm doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!' KAYE ADAMS Age: 59 Profession: Television presenter Kaye says: 'I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can't think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!' JAYDE ADAMS Age: 37 Profession: Comedian Jayde says: 'I've been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I'm watching myself in a dream and I can't believe I've manifested this.' MATT GOSS Age: 53 Profession: Singer Matt says: 'I've been reclusive, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought, it's time for me to come home and get out of my own way' MOLLY RAINFORD Age: 21 Profession: Singer Molly says: 'I already know it's gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can't wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I'll be sharing it with.' FLEUR EAST Age: 34 Profession: Singer Fleur says: 'I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.' HAMZA YASSIN Age: 35 Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza says: 'I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.' Advertisement All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility