Football legend Tony Adams has been announced as the 11th star to sign up to Strictly Come Dancing 2022.
The BBC ballroom dancing show is gearing up for its 20th series this year, as a whole host of big names have been announced. Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor and comedian Jayde Adams have already signed up, along with Britain's Got Talent star Molly Rainford, Coronation Street actors Will Mellor and Kym Marsh and Loose Women's Kaye Adams.
Tony, who is best known for his impressive football career which spanned across two decades, has confessed he is incredibly nervous to join the show. As a centre back, he played for Arsenal and England and captained both. He has been described by many as one of the greatest ever players in English football.
Speaking about his stint on the show, he said: "To say I’m excited is an understatement - the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes. Am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to meet my partner - god help her - and start the dancing."
The star had a total of 66 caps for England as well as 10 major trophy wins and to this day, he is still the only player in English football history to captain a team to three top flight titles over three different decades. As England captain, he led the national team to the Euro 96 final whilst he also dedicates his time to help a charity which helps support sports star with their mental health and addiction issues.
This comes after Britain's Got Talent and CBBC star Molly Rainford joined the 2022 series, with her stint being announced on CBBC Newsround this morning as she shared her excitement. "I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!" she said.
Elsewhere, Paralympian Ellie Simmonds has been confirmed for the latest series. She said: "To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it's going to be so much fun. I'm counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show.
"Plus wearing the sequins and all that, it's going to be a blast. I've been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it's a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it's a genuine privilege to be part of it."
There will be some big changes to this year's Strictly, with pro dancers Oti Mabuse and Aljaz Skorjanec and judge Bruno Tonioli leaving the show. It means 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.
Anton Du Beke will replace Bruno on the judging panel, appearing alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood.
The new series is thought to be starting in the coming weeks, with fans expecting it back on their screens in September.
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