Helen Skelton has revealed her dance and song choice for Strictly’s upcoming Blackpool special.
This week, the Countryfile star and professional dance partner Gorka Marquez will be performing a quickstep to Valerie by Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse.
Talking about getting through to Blackpool week on Instagram, Helen said: “Blackpool week! Thanks for getting Gorka and I this far. Your support and messages are overwhelming and so kind! Day one of the quickstep done and the shoes will no longer go on my feet (standard) but on we trot to Blackpool…to home!”
Strictly normally takes place in Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, but for one week each year, the show moves up north to Blackpool Tower’s ballroom.
The upcoming show this weekend is even more special than usual, as it marks the cast and crew’s first time back in the seaside town after three years of ruined plans due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The celebs and professionals see Blackpool week as an exciting milestone and both Helen and Gorka are no exception to the rule and have shared their excitement all over social media.
The special episode has remained a firm fan favourite throughout the years, and has created dozens of memorable moments including Ed Balls descending to the floor while playing a burning piano and Ann Widdecombe being pulled around the dancefloor by Anton Du Beke.
On Instagram, Gorka also shared a sneak peak video clip of the duo’s rehearsals for the special, where he playfully jokes that they will be practicing their dance another 100 times before the weekend.
Helen can be seen dancing across the training studio in Penrith and Gorka looks impressed with her energy.
On It Takes Two, the mother-of-three also spoke about the trip to Blackpool being a weekend away with her children, as the family live only 90 minutes away in Appleby.
Helen said: “We’re seeing this as a big weekend away, the kids will get to see each other and hang out. Still now, to this day, I take the kids to Blackpool and we play the penny slots.”
Last week, the couple came away with a score of 32 which landed them fifth on the leader board. They’re now one of eight couples remaining in the competition.
The Blackpool special will go ahead at the later time of 7.45pm this week, due to the final of the Rugby League World Cup being on BBC One, with its 4pm kick off time pushing other shows back.
