Strictly's Helen Skelton has BBC 'link' to Gorka Marquez's new partner

Helen Skelton has a TV 'link' to Gorka Marquez's new partner on Strictly Come Dancing, with the presenter speaking out in support of the pro and Dr Punam Krishan, after their partnership was confirmed during Saturday's launch show.

It's now been to years since Helen was paired with Spanish dancer Gorka on Strictly, with him helping her to shed her inhibitions and lack of confidence, as she emerged as one of the big contenders for victory in the BBC ballroom. Helen and Gorka delivered some memorable performances during their time on the programme, most notably their Couple's Choice to Mein Herr from Cabaret, which fans branded the 'ultimate revenge dance' after the breakdown of Helen's marriage.

While they ended up being some bookies' favourites going into the 2022 final, Helen and Gorka ended up being beaten to the title by Hamza and Jowita, before Gorka was then sent packing within a matter of weeks on last year's show, as his partnership with Asian Network host Nikita Kanda failed to impress the judges and viewers at home.

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After some speculation he might not be back, Gorka is on the Strictly 2024 pro line-up and, on Saturday night, fans found out that he will dance with Dr Punam Krishan, best known for being a health expert on BBC's Morning Live, the show presented by Helen.

And Helen was quick to lend her support to the couple in the aftermath of the launch, with her taking to Instagram to write: "Two of the most authentic/nice./talented people I know.. Can't wait to watch you both shine," before tagging both Punam and Gorka in the post and describing herself as a 'proud friend.'

In the latest odds on Strictly winner, Dr Punam is at the lower end of the rankings, with her and Gorka rated as 25/1 tips for victory, the same odds as yYnne Evans, but well ahead of both NI=ick Knowles and Paul Merson on 100/1.