Gorka Marquez sends sweet message to Helen Skelton after skipping Strictly tour
Strictly Come Dancing professional dance star Gorka Marquez has shared a sweet video message with his BBC One show partner Helen Skelton as she appeared on Loose Women.
The pro dancer appeared in the ITV studio alongside dance partner Karen Hauer ahead of their UK tour of Firedance on Tuesday.
The Countryfile presenter was then on the panel on Friday afternoon, as she discussed the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing tour, which Gorka decided not to take part in.
Host Kaye Adams introduced the short clip, which saw Gorka speaking directly to the camera in one of the corridors around the Loose Women studio.
Smiling, he said: “Hello, it’s me! I know you are on Loose Women today. I was here on Tuesday and I miss you, so I just want to say lots of love.
Greggs, Costa & Pret coffees have 'huge differences in caffeine', says report“I know you’re in the middle of the Strictly tour and you are smashing it. Keep dancing. Keep doing what you’re doing and I can't wait to see you soon,” he concluded before blowing a kiss and saying goodbye.
Back in the ITV studio, Kaye noted how clear it was that Gorka cared about Helen’s wellbeing through the ballroom dancing competition at the end of last year.
Helen said: “Outwardly, he’s so macho and cool, but inside he is so sensitive in the best possible way.
“He was always second guessing what would be right for me. He’s selfless.
“He wanted to make me look good. He never once tried to get any of the limelight. He doesn't get the credit he deserves.”
It comes after Gorka shared with fans details on why he decided not to take part in this year’s Strictly arena tour after he reached the 2022 final of the show alongside Helen.
After it was announced Helen would be dancing alongside Kai Widdrington during the live shows, Gorka explained he was taking the time to spend with his pregnant partner Gemma Atkinson and their little girl Mia.
Helen told the Loose Women panel that Gorka has been checking in almost every day with a phone call during the tour, so she feels she has both him and Kai as partners.
She joked: “I’m like, ‘Mate. Let it go’,” before adding: “I’m lucky because Kai loves the ballroom numbers.
“I don’t think anyone will do Cabaret like Gorka did. I think that’s definitely his number. It was funny, when Gorka came to the show on Saturday night, I was so nervous.”
'I tricked my sister into giving her baby a stupid name - she had it coming'Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV