Strictly uproar as Helen Skelton ‘robbed’ of perfect score for ‘dance of the series’

Strictly: Helen and Gorka perform during musicals week

Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez danced a Couple’s Choice to Mein Herr from the musical Cabaret for their quarter-final routine on Friday evening. The Countryfile presenter’s performance oozed confidence as she took to the dance floor wearing a black corseted mini dress with smokey eye makeup and dark lipstick. Their dance received rapturous applause from the Strictly Come Dancing audience, but dozens of fans were left feeling Helen was “robbed” of a perfect score.

In a video clip of Helen and Gorka in rehearsals, the mother of three said: “For me, this dance is a chance to be powerful and sassy and all of that.”

“So I think that is a good thing for me to explore,” she added. “Strictly has helped me remember who I am and what I am all about.”

The judges appeared blown away by Helen and Gorka’s dance on Friday night, with head judge Shirley Ballas stating: “Am I looking at a mummy of three?

“Am I looking at a young lady who has grown from a timid, shy girl in week one to this sensual performance? I’ve got goosebumps.

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Strictly’s Helen Skelton blew the audience away with her Couple’s Choice (Image: BBC)

Helen put on a stellar performance on Friday night (Image: BBC)

“It was off the charts in every way possible, from technique to coordination.”

When it came to the scoring all of the judges awarded Helen a 10 apart from Craig Revel Horwood who scored her nine points.

His marking sparked fury on Twitter, with Poppy raging: “Calling the BBC to complain about Helen being robbed of a 40 again #strictly.”

Alexander penned: “How did Craig not give Helen and Gorka a 10? That was easily the dance of the series, absolutely insane! #strictly.”

The pair were thrilled with some of the feedback (Image: BBC)

Craig Revel Horwood is facing a backlash over his scoring (Image: BBC)

Frankie said: “Gobsmacked by Helen in that, what a performance! And fair dos to Gorka for putting her front and centre like that #Strictly.” 

Jacob O’Neil remarked: “Helen being robbed of 40 reminds me of Faye getting robbed of 40 with her musical theatre dance too. #Strictly.” 

Charlotte Taylor commented: “I’m sorry but if that’s not a 40, what is?! Helen and Gorka’s dance will be one everyone talks about for years to come! Sensational! #Strictly.” 

Michaela added: “I literally didn’t even pay attention to the backing dancers or Gorka, my eyes were on Helen from start to finish and Gorka really showcased how amazing Helen is and let her shine like the star she is. How it didn’t get a 40 I don’t know #Strictly.” 

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Craig was booed by the audience after he told Helen she should have used her centre more during the dance. 

He added: “In this dance, every move is a picture and I think you achieved that immaculately, but this style is very particular.”

Despite missing out on a 40, Helen and Gorka seemed thrilled with their score and were all smiles as their co-stars cheered them on. 

The pair were joint top of the leaderboard with Coronation Street star Will Mellor and Nancy Xu. 

By the end of the evening, Kym Marsh and Graziano were at the bottom of the leaderboard with 34 points. 

Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystał were awarded 36 points whereas Fleur East and Vito Coppola and Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu scored 38 points.

The results show is airing on BBC One at 7.15pm on Saturday.  

Strictly Come Dancing’s week 12 live show has been moved to Sunday 11 December at 7.15pm.