Well, at last I have seen the programme in question. I went into it with low expectations and I have to say I thought Helen was EXACTLY herself. As I said earlier, they knew exactly what they were taking on beforehand: a brash, loud, effervescent and immensely likeable girl.
That's what she is and how she appears to be. I thought she was fine. OH thought she was fine, and he is pretty critical at the best of times. He actually enjoyed the programme against his will because he loves discussions.
I also thought Alex was just Alex with her, and I didn't detect any animosity. The po faced woman next to Helen was the only one who I thought gave her a bit of a look, mostly because she likes to hear her own voice I think.
This time helen was actually able to speak, unlike when Gloria (is this what I am now reduced to?) Honeyford sat next to her.
Kerry Chipshop has more experience in these situations, and is one of the established regulars, as all of the others were. Helen held her own.
We can't expect Helen to come out and be Joan Bakewell. She may have held views which were diverse from the others, but that is what a discussion is all about. Helen has the ability to voice exactly what she thinks, unfettered by constraints such as 'is this the politically correct thing to say now?'
I really hope everyone is able to give her a chance. I am sure they hold mauritoriums after each session, and if they didn't like something about Helen, she will find out. She can learn from the experience. She struck me as being as she was first week in the house: compensating for insecurity by being really loud. She then settled down and relaxed and we grew to love her.
There is a smugness about Kerry which is uncomfortable. She has effortless profile now, being half of a famous couple, and she has the confidence which motherhood brings.
People may criticise Helen for having no particular talent, but Atomic Kitten have gone from strength to strength without Kerry, her husband Bryan has already strayed, and I don't see much of a future for him as a solo artist when Westlife ultimately stop.
Helen, on the other hand has still managed to get a place on this programme with a significant learning disorder, no hit singles under her belt, and a partner who actively shuns the limelight. She isn't at all 'showbiz', she lives in a very nice but unspectacular flat in green and leafy suburbia (and YES, I actually found it yesterday on my way home! They were out
), she has her feet firmly on the ground and is establishing herself with her own business.
If 'Losse Women' doesn't work out, she will shrug her shoulders and say OK, and she will have someone to go home to who will always think she is a star.
I don't think any of that is a reason to despair.
Plus the fact I actually enjoyed the programme! They could do a lot worse than to let her develop in this. It is far better experience than holding up a few bottles of cream and having a facial.
Good luck Helen!
