‘Strictly has made me realise my strengths’
In her exclusive weekly diary, the presenter talks about Blackpool and life lessons with Tony Adams
Everyone always talks about the J word on Strictly − journey. But this week it’s all about the hallowed B word. No, not bunions. It’s Blackpool. The spiritual home of British ballroom dancing. Blackpool is to ballroom what Wimbledon is to tennis − the World Cup of Waltzing.
The Tower Ballroom is swinging its doors open for Strictly after a two-year Covid hiatus. The decadence of the whole place conjures up images of swirling dresses gliding around to a backdrop of Victorian splendour and the strains of the Wurlitzer organ, of afternoon teas and high glamour. Since the ballroom opened in 1899, millions of people have trotted across its sprung floor and it’s thrilling to think that I am going to be one of them this weekend.
I’m from the North West, so every year my family would go to Blackpool for the illuminations. We’ve had plenty of holidays there and I have fond memories of the donkey derby, which is my favourite amusement. Last week Gorka, who’s Spanish, taught me about the cultural significance of the Salsa, so this week I’ve been educating him on the great British seaside resort and, specifically, the importance of Pigeon Weekend, which is a big deal round these parts. The cast and crew thought this was a joke until a friendly local confirmed that I’m not totally cuckoo.
It’s been a lovely chance to get everyone together. Gorka’s fiancée, Gemma Atkinson (Strictly 2017 finalist), also grew up nearby, so our kids will have fun together this weekend and my parents will be in the ballroom on Saturday night to cheer me on.
We’ll certainly miss Tony Adams, who pulled out of the competition last week. Tony had been nursing an injury, so his final Jive was a triumph. Much to everyone’s surprise, Tony wasn’t the comedy act and he certainly wasn’t in it for the sympathy vote. His partner, Katya Jones, really wanted to do him justice and they worked out how to get the best out of each other.
Both Tony and I came into Strictly for wider reasons than learning to dance. In a way, hoping that viewers could see something in us that they perhaps connect with, whether that be trying something new, having fun or improving your mental health. During filming, we’d step back and take it all in and we’ve had some proper life chats. It’s funny, really. Who’d have thought that England footballer Tony Adams and I would be sat on a couch putting the world to rights. You form some lovely bonds on this show − I’ve already been on the phone to his wife this week!
Tony had the right attitude in this competition. You put so much of your life on hold that it’s easy to take things too seriously. Strictly so far is making me realise what my strengths are and what makes me happy. I couldn’t step on that dancefloor on the first week without wanting to be sick, so last week’s Salsa, when I was out there performing on my own, went as well as I could ever have hoped. If I’m honest, I did the routine much better in the camera-block rehearsals when I was in my leggings and gym kit. But it was fun going full-on fiery Latino with Gorka, who let’s face it is the Salsa King.
And that’s what it’s all about, really. I came into this wanting my family to see me having fun. That was important for me, and they’re now saying that they’re starting to see the real Helen again, which means the world coming from the people I love. My kids wouldn’t go to bed last night until I’d shown them a bit of this week’s routine. They’re fully into it, so much so that one of my boys told his dinner lady at school that Craig and Shirley dropped me off at home in a taxi after the show. Of course they didn’t, but in his world that’s what happens on Strictly.
There’s so many elements of this (dare I say the J word?) journey that have taken me time to get used to, but I’m trying to lean into it and embrace it all. I love the hair and make-up and costumes, but it’s as different for me as night and day. It reminds me of trying on my mum’s high heels when I was a kid and would totter about, but I feel like I’m finding my feet now.
This week’s Quickstep isn’t too far off the donkey derby. Gorka and I have to race across the dancefloor at the speed of light. Not only do I have to keep up with him and a whole bunch of backing dancers, but we have to be perfectly synchronised. It may be Blackpool, but I’m determined not to be a wonky donkey.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One on Saturday at 7.45pm and Sunday at 7.20pm