The people of Eden have been showing their support for their very own Strictly sweetheart Helen Skelton.
This weekend saw theTV presenter and her partner Gorka Marquez waltz their way on to the Strictly Come Dancing floor to Hopelessly Devoted to You from the musical Grease, and the community is backing her all the way.
The pair are rehearsing in Penrith and have been spotted in the town. Helen’s home town of Appleby has been covered with Team Helen posters.
Jenny Gibbons, owner of Appleby shop The Cupboard Under the Stairs, came up with the idea of creating the posters after chatting with her husband about how they could show their support for the Countryfile presenter.
She said: “My partner and I were talking about Helen and her being on Strictly, and he said to me ‘why don’t you put a poster up outside to support her?’ and I said that was a really good idea, but why don’t we do it as a town?
“I went to the people at the tourist information centre and Appleby Town Council and they said it was a brilliant idea and to go for it. So, I spoke to Lucy, a graphic designer from Appleby Business Services next door, who designed them for me and I made copies and distributed them around town.”
Jenny said she was really pleased to see the town rallying in support of Helen. She added: “It’s been really good because I’ve been popping into the shops and having a chat with people and they quite often have little stories about her, including that she used to be a Saturday girl at the bakery; the different people she worked for; and about what a nice lass she is. It’s great; everyone has a connection to her, it’s just been really lovely.”
Raised in Eden, Helen attended Appleby Grammar School in the late 1990s and early 2000s, during which time she was described by former teachers as a popular student.
Dee Cullen, head of history, said: “She was quite gifted in history and a popular student. I recall her chatting at the back of the class with her friend but at the same time going on to gain an A grade at history A-level.
“I also remember a conversation with Helen’s mum about her going to university, but her mum’s thoughts were that Helen was a Cumbrian through and through and would never leave the county!”
In recent years, Helen paid a visit to the school and while there, taught Mrs Cullen how to take a selfie, she said. In an interview, Helen said Andy Connell was one of her favourite teachers.
Now a town councillor, he said: “Helen is a great girl, she is bright and a great communicator and very honest. What you see is what you get. Everything she does she does well so I expect her to do well on Strictly.
“I do remember from her school days that she and her friend Jill were good tap dancers and I would imagine this talent would become apparent as she circles the dancefloor. I hope it all goes well for her.She will do her family proud and she will do Cumbria proud too.”
The former Blue Peter presenter’s old university also wished the star luck on her Strictly journey and shared a snap of Helen after she had received her honorary fellowship.
In 2004, Helen graduated from the University of Cumbria with a first class honours degree in journalism and was made an honorary fellow in 2011 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to broadcasting, the Cumbrian community and her charitable work.
A university spokesman said: “We wish Helen the very best of luck in the ballroom ahead of her return on Strictly this weekend.”
Last night, Helen and Gorka scored 31 on the live show.
