Cumbria’s own Helen Skelton took to the dancefloor as Strictly Come Dancing kicked off.

Joined by her professional dance partner Gorka Marquez, Helen was seen practicing their dance at Penrith Parish Centre in a montage for viewers before their performance.

A former Blue Peter presenter, Helen grew up in Kirkby Thore, where her family still resides.

In the montage, Helen said: “Live TV doesn’t scare me because that’s what I love, dancing on live TV is a different thing.”

About her dance partner, she said: “I was genuinely delighted when I found out it was Gorka.

“I love the routines he’s done over the years.

“He’s creative and funny so for me that was a win win win.”

Gorka said: “I was very pleased and very excited.

“I can’t wait to get in the studio and get dancing.”

Helen was nervous, and added: “Today is day one, I’m really excited and keen to get stuck in.

“I know Gorka will put me at ease, I’m sure we’ll have a good laugh and I just want to crack on now.”

Helen asked: “What will I be good at in the American Smooth?”

Gorka answered: “Everything.”

Gorka’s instruction to Helen was to bring ‘all of the shoes’, not just one pair, but she brought ‘none of the shoes’, much to Gorka’s dismay: “How can you forget your shoes on day one?”

Helen explained: “I am not elegant, I am not calm, I don’t have a good posture, so this is quite a challenge for me.”

About the dance, Gorka said: “Our dance is very fun, cheeky, playful, I think it’s the perfect dance to start our Strictly journey.”

The dance wowed the crowd and judges alike, scoring them 26 points.

With usually the most criticism out of all the judges, Craig Revel Horwood actually loved it: “Lovely energy, and you do have elegance my darling.”

Motsi Mabuse advised Helen: “Take your eye level a little bit higher because that controls your balance, but I mean, I am impressed, really great, great start.

Speaking afterwards, Gorka said: “I think she's great but she just needs to believe.

"I know her confidence at the moment is not great but she just needs to believe in herself and believe she can do it because I think she has lots of potential and is  a beautiful dancer.”