Helen Skelton was all smiles as she was seen for the first time since it was revealed she's 'growing close' to co-star Gethin Jones.

The TV presenter, 41, looked in high spirits as she picked up a salad before leaving the BBC Morning Live Studios in Manchester. 

Helen cut a trendy figure as she layered an oversized blue striped shirt over a white strappy blouse which she tucked into a pair of denim jeans.

Styling her long blonde tresses loose in waves, she kept comfortable in a pair of black sandals and accessorised with a chunky silver chain necklace. 

Helen beamed as she exited the studios carrying a salad as well as her phone and sunglasses.  

It comes as insiders have revealed that presenting duo Helen and Gethin, who have 'flirty' onscreen chemistry, have also formed a close friendship away from the cameras, as sources are convinced their bond has developed into a deeper connection.

The TV stars, who have both presented Blue Peter and appeared as contestants on Strictly Come Dancing, are currently single after Gethin admitted he has been on the dating scene for the past two years having previously been engaged to Katherine Jenkins, and Helen split from ex-husband Richie Myler in 2022. 

To add to the intrigue, their respective reps are also refusing to comment on the duo's relationship, which has garnered further attention after they were seen leaving the BAFTA Television Awards together earlier this month with fellow guests at the event saying they were very 'tactile'.

A TV source told MailOnline: 'Helen and Gethin have an extremely close working relationship and there's a feeling in recent months their friendship has blossomed into a deeper connection. 

'They're both keen to keep a lid on it to avoid public scrutiny but there's no denying their closeness both on and off screen.' 

Helen, 41, has been single since her high profile 2022 break up from husband Richie, the father of her three children, Ernie, nine, Louis, eight and Elsie, three.

The rugby league player, 34, was married to Helen for nine years before they split with the former Strictly star writing on Instagram that she was very 'sad' he had 'left the family home'.

The ex-Blue Peter presenter has spoken about how difficult she found the breakdown of her marriage, writing in her autobiography she was in 'shock' and 'didn't see it coming', as the couple split four months after the birth of their youngest child. 

Helen's commitment to her children saw the Countryfile star step down from her presenting role on BBC Radio 5 Live, as she announced in 2023 her departure was so she could spend more time with her family. 

Richie has since moved on with Stephanie Thirkill, the daughter of Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill, and they have welcomed two children, Olivia and Freddie.

Gethin, meanwhile, has been single for two years having briefly dated First Dates star Cici Coleman in 2023.

Previously, he had romances with TOWIE's Lucy Mecklenburgh in 2014 and German underwear model Katja Zwara in 2017.

But his most serious relationship was with Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins who he dated for four years from 2007.

The presenter, 47, even proposed in February 2011 but they broke off their engagement in December that year. 

Gethin is believed to have been a rock for Helen after the breakdown of her marriage with the pair often socialising together away from the cameras.

They are both based in Manchester during the week when they film Morning Live in Salford and as well as attending big award shows together, the TV duo have also been at events alongside friends and family.

In April last year, they attended a special Strictly Come Dancing themed charity event, the Burrow Strictly Ball, set up by the legendary late rugby league star Rob Burrow's sisters Jo and Claire for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

An eyewitness at the event revealed: 'It was very clear that Helen and Gethin were together as a couple at the event, they were with close friends of Helen's and their connection was undeniable.' 

The same month Gethin was pictured tenderly touching Helen's hand, which was wrapped around his arm, at the TV Choice awards.

Helen posted the snap on Instagram, which also included fellow Morning Live host Michelle Ackerley, and wrote: 'Technically work colleagues, but we know too much about each other.' 

The insider added: 'Helen and Gethin have been able to attend events together without much fanfare purely because they're work colleagues.

'They're officially there to 'represent the show' which is a bonus for them as they can slip under the radar but anyone who has seen them at these bashes will testify they look extremely cosy.'

That close connection was evident again in January when they competed together at Manchester fitness event Hyrox doubles, which would have involved extensive training.

And two months later, Helen and Gethin teamed up to raise money for Comic Relief in March when they took part in a nonstop 24 hour roller-skate challenge.

Gushing about Gethin afterwards on social media, Helen wrote: 'My dear @gethincjones... You are some man. 

'I don't publicly say often enough how much love and respect I have for you my friend because I assume it is well known, but for the record you're a legend and I am beyond grateful to have you by my side on the rink, the sofa and beyond.'

In response, Gethin dedicated an Instagram post to Helen, writing: 'And a little appreciation post for this super woman. Unbelievable physical and mental resilience... 

'Loves a laugh but a deep thinker (I had to remind her a few times we were live on TV). It says a lot that you can spend 24 hours with someone and still call them an hour later for a debrief...'

The following month, Helen competed in the London Marathon, sparking more social media gushing. 

Gethin commented on her Instagram post: 'Here she is... Finding the time, packing it in, breaking boundaries, committing to it, (even treadmill sessions at 4am). Well done H, you never cease to amaze me.'

Helen and Gethin have both previously been open about their respective love lives.

In November 2022, when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing, Helen admits her marriage split - which came shortly after the birth of her third child - left her 'battle hardened' and the dance show acted as a kind of 'therapy.'

Meanwhile, Gethin has poked fun at this single status, revealing on Martin Compston and Gordon Smart's Restless Natives podcast in February the administrators on dating app Hinge refused to believe he had signed up and struck him off assuming he was an imposter.

And after convincing them he was 'the real Gethin Jones' he left anyway having failed to find a suitable date.

He explained: 'The moment when I have to write to Hinge, 'Dear Hinge' on a Thursday night, on your own, writing to an online dating app. 'Hi it's Gethin here, 46. I just want to get my money back because it's not really working for me,' eating some cereal because I hadn't got some food in.'

He might not be so unlucky in love after all…