Paralympian Ellie Simmonds is expected to be revealed as the latest celebrity name to sign up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing in a new first for the hit BBC One show.
The 4ft tall swimmer, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, is tipped to join the likes of actress Kym Marsh and Loose Women 's Kaye Adams when the programme begins airing later this month.
It promises to be a special year for the show, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Last years' series was won by Rose Ayling-Ellis – the first winner from the deaf and disabled community – alongside professional Giovanni Pernice last year.
Ellie, 27, became the youngest ever recipient of an OBE in 2009 aged just 14 - a year after remarkably winning two gold medals in Beijing's 2008 Paralympic Games.
A further 15 medals followed in an illustrious career, before the Aldridge-born star retired following the 2020 games in Tokyo.
In April, meanwhile, Ellie praised Rose for representing the deaf and disabled community, declaring: "There should be much more acceptance and awareness of being different.
"This helps children realise disability is just a part of normal society."
A source told the Sun : "Ellie is a real Strictly fan and has been in the studios to watch the live show. She can’t wait to get started in rehearsals this month.
"She has always been conscious of how important it is to see disability on TV, and she is keen to be part of that and inspire as many people as possible.
"But she is also hoping to have a lot of fun, and to embrace the challenge of learning to dance."
Other stars confirmed to be taking part include former Arsenal and England footballer Tony Adams, actor Will Mellor, comic Jayde Adams, and DJ Richie Anderson.
There will be some noticeable changes to this year's Strictly, with pro dancers Oti Mabuse and Aljaz Skorjanec and judge Bruno Tonioli leaving the show.
Four new pros have been drafted in, including European cup winner Vito Coppola , Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu , former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas.
*Strictly returns this autumn on BBC One
