Olympic Swimmer Confirms Strictly Come Dancing Participation Ahead of Official Announcement

Olympic Star Spills the Beans

Olympic swimmer Tom Dean has broken a major rule by revealing that he has signed up for the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing before the official line-up is announced. The 24-year-old confirmed the news after making it to the final of the men's 200 metres individual medley, just a day after his participation was leaked by The Celeb Report.

Seeking Advice from Teammate

Dean, a three-time Olympic champion, expressed his excitement about trying something different and mentioned seeking advice from his Team GB teammate Adam Peaty, who participated in the show in 2021. Despite his swimming prowess, Dean admitted feeling less confident on dry land and is looking forward to the challenge.

Strict Secrecy Surrounding Line-Up

While the Strictly line-up is usually kept under wraps until the official announcement, Dean's early confirmation has stirred up excitement among fans. BBC bosses are known for their elaborate measures to maintain secrecy, including using code names and top-secret locations for filming.

Controversy and Investigations

Dean's announcement comes amidst controversy surrounding the treatment of contestants on the show. Following allegations made against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice by former participant Amanda Abbington, the BBC has launched an investigation. Pernice has refuted claims of threatening or abusive behavior.

From Olympic Gold to the Dance Floor

Tom Dean, known for his outstanding achievements in swimming, including two gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is set to swap the pool for the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing. His decision to participate adds to the list of Olympic swimmers who have taken on the dancing challenge in the past.