OLYMPIAN Adam Peaty has been announced as the latest contestant for this year’s instalment of Strictly Come Dancing.
The swimmer, who won two gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics over two weeks ago, was confirmed for the ballroom stalwart on BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat today.
The news comes days after The Celeb Report reported that Strictly bosses were keen to sign an Olympic hero.
Speaking to BBC Radio 1, the British sportsman admitted that he’s “bad at dancing” but “is a quick learner” so could surprise fans as he swaps the swimming pool for the salsa.
Adam added in a statement: “I think this will come as a surprise to a lot of people, but I’m so excited to finally share the news that I’ll be joining Strictly this year.
“I’m really looking forward to doing something totally different and challenging myself away from the pool.
“I’m hoping my competitive nature is going to compensate for my dancing abilities!”
Adam revealed earlier this month that he would be taking a break from swimming to focus on his mental health following in the steps of fellow sport stars Simone Biles and Ben Stokes.
TAKING A BREAK
The 26-year-old said he would take time out from the sport before turning his attention towards the World Championships next year and the Paris Olympics in 2024.
The Team GB star said: “You’ll see people who are falling off, who go all the way through ISL [International Swimming League] and all the way through World Cups and by the time they get to Paris.
“You’re seeing it in all sports now. You’re seeing it with Simone Biles, you’re seeing it with Ben Stokes, mental health matters and it is about getting the balance right at that elite level.
“The amount of time that has been taken away from me with my partner and my boy – he doesn’t know it – but I want to make that time up. I’m going to enjoy it and recover.”
Peaty won two gold medals and a silver at this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
He became the first Brit to retain his Olympic swimming gold after winning the 100m breaststroke in Tokyo.
OLYMPIC SIGNING
Earlier this week, The Celeb Report exclusively revealed how Strictly bosses were hoping to put a golden touch to this year’s show – by landing an Olympics hero.
We revealed that producers were keen to capitalise on the success of Team GB by landing a gold-medal-winning star.
A source told us at the time: “The country has fallen in love with Team GB and their heroics in Japan.
“That’s why getting an Olympic star has become a huge priority. Producers are locked in talks to try and pull off a big late signing.”
STRICTLY STARS
The announcement comes a day after the show announced their first ever deaf contestant, EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who wants to shatter all the stereotypes of people with no hearing by taking home the glitterball.
Yesterday, they also confirmed EastEnders star Nina Wadia would be taking part alongside Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Tilly was also revealed, with the teen taking part one year after a broken arm ruled her out of the 2020 series.
They have also confirmed The Crown actor Greg Wise, who admitted his wife is “stupidly excited” to watch him.
The trio join the likes of Dan Walker, Katie McGlynn, Tom Fletcher, and Bake Off star John Whaite – who will make show history by partnering up with a man.
The Celeb Report told last month that ex-rugby ace Ugo Monye, 38, is also among those signed up, with more names expected to be announced imminently.
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