Helen’s nightmare over topless photos
Fans leap to the defence of BBC girl who won hearts at Rio
SHE’S been one of the stars of the Olympics coverage with her eye-catching outfits and vivacious presenting style.
But Helen Skelton’s stint commentating on the swimming ended on a bad note as topless pictures of her when she was just 17 were published.
Footage of the young Miss Skelton on holiday in France was uploaded on an adult website and the censored pictures were later reproduced on a national newspaper’s website.
The 33-year-old’s newfound legion of fans were quick to defend her. One wrote on Twitter yesterday: ‘I find it disgusting that some lowlife has sold pics of Helen Skelton at 17 showing her topless. I bet she is devastated. Disgraceful.’ Another said: ‘What
‘Shocked and disappointed’
kind of criminal perv films topless women unawares? #HelenSkelton #everydaysexism.’ A third wrote: ‘It’s ridiculous that people have the cheek to share the topless video of Helen Skelton. She has a life and a career! Why try and ruin it!’
Miss Skelton’s co-presenters for the swimming, Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster, were also being spoken about on social media – although for a much less distressing reason.
Viewers have noticed ongoing flirtation between the ex-Olympic swimmers and rumours of a romance were heightened after Foster unbuttoned his shirt on air to reveal a fake tattoo of Miss Adlington’s face on the skin close to his heart, causing her to burst out laughing.
Earlier a clip appeared to show single mother Miss Adlington, 27, caressing his thigh. As the photos of Miss Skelton emerged, a source close to her told The Star On Sunday newspaper: ‘This is a complete nightmare for Helen. She is really keen to be taken seriously as a presenter.’
The former Blue Peter presenter, who has a son with husband, rugby league star Richie Myler, previously attracted unwanted attention over a dress she wore while presenting, which some said was too short.
A source said last night: ‘Helen is shocked and disappointed that someone feels it is acceptable to make money in this way.’ They added that Miss Skelton is ‘looking into’ what steps she can take to have the pictures taken off the internet.
The Olympics swimming, and Miss Skelton’s presenting stint, ended on Saturday. Miss Skelton appeared on Countryfile last night with Prince Andrew for an episode marking the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.