On Monday's episode of BBC Morning Live, presenter Helen Skelton had to step in with a quick correction when chatting with Anton Du Beke about the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Live! tour. During the lively exchange, 41-year-old Helen was joined by 58-year-old Anton, who serves as one of the judges on the beloved dance competition, along with 26-year-old Tasha Ghouri, who was the runner-up on the most recent 2024 series.
Accompanying them was co-host Gethin Jones, aged 46, who greeted Anton and Tasha warmly: "Anton, Tasha, lovely to see you. Happy New Year! Anton, is this your third year on the arena tour? So you can tell us exactly what to expect!" Anton responded confidently, stating, "Well, I can! Yes it is my third year but of course the lovely Helen was with us last year, was it last year? Time moves so fast!" This is when Helen jumped in to correct him, saying: "No, I was your first year! Oh, you said you'd remembered me forever!"
Anton, quick to turn the moment humorous, replied, "So we've already had another year between you and this year, who knew? Time goes so fast! You must have been memorable!" His quip drew laughter from everyone present, showcasing the light-hearted atmosphere of the show.
The interaction continued with Strictly professional dancer Luba Mushtuk making an appearance for the strictly fitness segment of the program, adding to the festive Strictly ambiance. The show also welcomed Dr. Punam Krishan, who had participated as a contestant on the 2024 series, providing health tips during her own segment. This reunion of Strictly stars created the perfect backdrop for Helen's correction of Anton.
Reflecting on her experience on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2022, where she finished as a runner-up alongside her professional partner Gorka Márquez, Helen shared her thoughts on the pressures of the prestigious competition. During her conversation on the Off Menu podcast, she revealed: "Even as someone who's been in telly my whole adult life, I totally underestimated the eyes and the expectations and the perceptions..." She highlighted the unique challenges of the show, saying, "You walk out onto a dancefloor, bearing in mind you're wearing a massive hair piece that's not yours, and all of... that's...designed to make you feel amazing.
Yet, with this glamor came its own challenges. Helen expressed: "But if it's not yours, you're still a bit like 'oh my gosh, what is happening to me? Am I alright about this?' whilst also having to keep a whole dance routine inside your head." Her candid comments underscored the demanding nature of the competition.
She was grateful for the opportunity, noting the positive side: "I was glad to stay as long as I did. I didn't mind what people thought about me because being part of the show helped me find my feet. It allowed me to enjoy it more. I really didn’t mind what comments were made outside of it."
The blend of playful banter, serious discussions about performance pressures, and celebrations of camaraderie reflected the heart of Strictly Come Dancing—an affectionately competitive gathering of talented individuals. BBC Morning Live continues to bring these moments to audiences on weekdays at 9:30 am on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer, highlighting stories and personalities from the show.