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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Louis Chilton

Tony Adams: Who is the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 contestant and what is he famous for?

BBC

It’s time to put on your dancing shoes... Strictly Come Dancing is back.

The hit BBC reality series has unveiled a whole new roster of contestants for 2022, including TV presenters, athletes, and pop stars.

You can check out the full line-up here.

Among the contestants competing for the Glitterball trophy this year is Tony Adams. He is coupled up with Katya Jones.

But who is Adams, and what has he said about appearing on Strictly?

Adams is a former professional footballer and manager who spent his entire playing career at Arsenal, between the years of 1983 and 2002.

A club captain, Adams has been celebrated with a statue at the team’s current ground, the Emirates Stadium.

In his managerial career, Adams took charge of teams including Wycombe Wanderers, Portsmouth, and Spanish side Granada.

He was awarded an MBE in 1999.

Tony Adams is taking part in ‘Strictly’ (BBC)

Adams has had a well-documented history with addiction. His 1998 book, Addicted, reflects on his descent into alcoholism during his playing days.

Speaking ahead of his Strictly appearance, Adams said: “I’ve been asked to come on a few times, I’m retired now and I thought the time was right. I have had a few health issues over the past few years, and I was working too hard.

“Recently I’ve decided to put my feet up and watch my kids grow up, I’m now free of addiction and I can do anything I want. So I have decided to learn a new skill, dancing! It looks like a fun show so I am looking forward to it.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday 24 September at 6.45pm on BBC One.

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