Adam Peaty unveiled as shock Strictly Come Dancing contestant

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: August 13 2021 | 13:19

Last updated: August 14 2021 | 22:57

Adam Peaty unveiled as shock Strictly Come Dancing contestant

Team GB hero Adam Peaty is revealed as a surprise addition to this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist and Team GB hero Adam Peaty has been revealed as a surprise addition to this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup.

The 26-year-old has just returned from the Tokyo Games, where he successfully defended his 100m breaststroke title in addition to claiming relay gold and silver.

After his competition was complete, Peaty announced that he was planning to take a brief break from the sport in order to destress, and now he has revealed that he will be spending his time off competing for the coveted Strictly crown.

"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," he said.

"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!"

At 6ft 3in, Peaty is taller than all of the male professional dancers on the show but will be dwarfed by fellow celebrity contestant and Olympics presenter Dan Walker, who stands at 6ft 6in.

Other famous faces to have signed up for the new series, which begins on BBC One at the end of September, include Dragons' Den investor Sara Davies, Gordon Ramsay's daughter Tilly Ramsay, The Crown actor Greg Wise and McFly singer Tom Fletcher.