Helen Skelton wanted Dancing On Ice or I’m A Celebrity stints before signing up for Strictly

Helen Skelton wanted to appear on either ‘Dancing On Ice’ or ‘I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!’

The ‘Countryfile’ presenter - who has will appear on the new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' on the BBC - was interested in the “challenges” presented by ITV's two star-studded competition reality shows.

She told the Sun newspaper: “I like to do anything that challenges me. I'd love Dancing On Ice. Where else can you learn to be an ice dancer?”

Helen - who has sons Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and Elise, seven months with her ex Richie Myler - also added that she would “love” to head to the jungle, while she doesn't like to plan too much for the "future".

The 39-year-old star added: “'I don't have a career plan and never have. I try not to worry about the future. I just say yes to things that put food on my table and a smile on my face.”

When she was announced for 'Strictly', the former ‘Blue Peter’ presenter - who was the last to be revealed to be competing for the Glitter Ball trophy - remarked she was “really excited” to take part in the show judged by Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Helen said: “I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started.”

Later, she joked that she couldn’t tell if the choice was “the best or the worst thing” she had ever said yes to.

She quipped: “I can't decide if it's the best or worst thing I've agreed to and it hasn't started yet!

“The thing that makes me nervous... I agreed to it a few days ago and people keep saying, 'Can you dance?' and I say no because isn't it the point to learn to dance?”