'Strictly Come Dancing' star Helen Skelton has struck up a friendship with her dance partner Gorka Marquez’s financée Gemma Atkinson.

Helen Skelton has forged a close friendship with Gemma Atkinson

Helen Skelton has forged a close friendship with Gemma Atkinson

The ‘Countryfile’ presenter, 39, counts her lucky stars she’s forged a close friendship with the former ‘Hollyoaks’ star, because Gemma understands what it’s like being in Helen’s shoes, having competed on the BBC dance show herself.

Helen told Closer magazine: “I’m so lucky because Gemma’s also done the show and she gets it.

“She understands what it’s like when you’re in my shoes, so I feel like I get the benefit of that support [as well as Gorka’s].”

Gemma - who was a runner-up in the 15th series of the BBC Latin and ballroom show - previously took to social media to show her support for the pair, uploading a selfie of the two on Instagram.

She wrote in the caption: "C’mon!!! Go out there and shine Helen! You're gonna have the most Amazing time on Strictly! Will be rooting for you both. (sic)"

Helen also recently remarked on her friendship with professional dancer Gorka, admitting she begins each day "in the best possible frame of mind".

She recently wrote: "I've had many supportive messages, too, not least from Angela Rippon, who, of course, witnessed many a Foxtrot in her 'Come Dancing' presenting days. You need all these little boosts along the way.

"Gorka brings me a coffee at the start of our training sessions and writes on the paper cup. 'You've got this!', so I begin each day in the best possible frame of mind. We also eat a lot of pastries. Pastries help immeasurably."

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