Terrified Strictly star Helen Skelton races for cover after glass bottle thrown at her during 3am street brawl

TERRIFIED Helen Skelton raced for cover when a glass bottle was thrown at her during a 3am street brawl.

The 39-year-old TV presenter, who had been partying with Strictly pals, hid in an alley until cops arrived.

A source said: “Helen was shocked at the violence”

Helen and pals from Strictly were enjoying a night out after a live tour show when they were innocently caught up in the brawl.

The terrified TV presenter jumped out of the way when thugs hurled a glass bottle near their group, which included Paralympic hero Ellie Simmonds.

In our exclusive photos, nimble-footed Helen, 39, is seen recoiling in horror, before diving into a nearby alleyway to escape injury.

A pal, thought to be tour backing dancer Robbie Metoni, is seen jumping in the air with his hands in pockets to avoid the glass shards.

Mum-of-three Helen stayed in the alley until cops arrived and arrested a suspect at 3am on Friday.

Strictly stars including singer Molly Rainford and Kiss FM DJ Tyler West rushed to comfort her.

A source said: “Helen and her co-stars were walking home when they stumbled on a brutal fight which saw a bottle being thrown.

“Helen was shocked at the violence in front of her, but was pleased the police were on hand.”

The source added: “They had been having a great time, really letting their hair down.

“Helen in particular was laughing and smiling and was in high spirits.

“Then all of a sudden it kicked off as some of the group were walking back to the hotel.

“Two groups of lads were fighting and bottles and glasses went flying

“None of the Strictly people were involved in the fighting, they were innocent passers-by caught up in it.

“A bottle came close to hitting Helen, smashing right by her feet, but she jumped out of the way.

“She hid in the alleyway for a few seconds until the coast was clear, but she looked shaken afterwards.

“Thankfully no one was hurt, but the other Strictly stars came over to comfort Helen and they all left the area pretty quickly.

“Officers arrived just a few minutes later and broke the fight up.

“A guy was arrested and put into a police car.”

The Strictly party crew, which also included pro dancers Kai Widdrington, Dianne Buswell and Neil Jones, had earlier performed at the First Direct Arena before heading to Leeds city centre.

The group, who were staying at the Dakota hotel for the Thursday and Friday night shows, hit nightclub Dollhouse and swanky speakeasy bar The Back Room.

But as they were walking back along Call Lane — which is crammed with bars and clubs — a fight erupted between two groups of men, with bottles and glasses brandished as weapons.

Shocked revellers outside a bar were seen looking over at the chaos before Strictly co-stars came over to comfort Helen — who had cut a dash in a smart plaid jacket, black leather-look leggings and boots.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed: “At 2.56am on Friday, police were called to a report of fight involving a group of males in Duncan Street and Call Lane in Leeds city centre.

“Officers attended and arrested a man on suspicion of affray.

“He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing. There were no reports of any injuries.”

On Friday morning Helen was seen outside the Dakota hotel catching up for a chat with a friend.

She left Leeds with the rest of the cast late on Friday night, making the short trip to Manchester and the AO Arena.

The Strictly Come Dancing Live! tour had two shows there yesterday, with another scheduled for tonight.

The tour runs until the end of May, visiting cities such as London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Sheffield and Belfast.

Countryfile presenter and former Blue Peter star Helen came runner-up in the BBC series before Christmas when she was partnered with Spaniard Gorka Marquez.

But on the live tour she dances with Kai.

Helen has been single since splitting from her husband of eight years, Richie Myler, last April.

He called it quits on their marriage four months after she gave birth to their third child, Elsie Kate who is now one.

The former couple also share sons, Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.

Rugby league star Richie is set to welcome his first child with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill — the daughter of multi-millionaire Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill.