Adam Thomas has revealed that he signed up for Strictly Come Dancing 2023 because it will help him cope with his chronic illness.
The Emmerdale actor ill be joining 15 other well-known faces when it returns this autumn.
Celebrating both signing up to the BBC ballroom show and his birthday, Thomas took to Instagram on Thursday.
“How did that happen, does this mean I should stop acting like a kid now haha," the former Emmerdale actor posted on the platform, referencing his age – as he has just turned 35.
“As much as I act like a kid, my body is telling another story," he added. "I’ve been in a lot of pain since January, it started with my knees and then travelled to my wrists, fingers and now ankles and toes.
“I never knew what was happening and finally after several blood tests and back and forth to doctors and hospitals, I’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis!
“I thought that was something people, later on in [their] life get… but that’s not the case, clearly!”
“Some days are better than others and I’m not going to lie, it’s been hard not being able to train properly. It has had a huge knock on effect for me personally, but not only that for my family too!”
The father-of-two continued: “The reason I signed up to Strictly is because I just want to be able to move again, get fit and do it, all with a smile on my face!
“It really couldn’t have come at a better time.
"I’m a firm believer of everything happening for a reason, and I know the journey I’ve been on was meant to happen, to never take small things in life for granted! Like going for a run, playing with my kids and just being able to walk with no pain!
“I know it’s going to be tough and I’ve definitely got my work cut out but I am up for the challenge and cannot wait to get on that dance floor!”
Thomas will be joined by fellow soap stars Bobby Brazier and Nigel Harman from EastEnders, ex-Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas.
The Strictly line-up also includes Paralympic champion Jody Cundy and former British number one tennis player Annabel Croft as well as BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show host Nikita Kanda.
Actress Amanda Abbington, Bad Education star Layton Williams and broadcaster Angela Rippon also join the mix along with news broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy, comedian Eddie Kadi, Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon and Zara McDermott, the first Love Island signing for the show.
Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back in hosting duties alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
