Ellie Simmonds

Ellie Simmonds will compete in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, saying she's delighted to be the first contestant with dwarfism.

Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC’s flagship primetime show that has sold versions around the world under the banner Dancing with the Stars, made history last year with the first ever same-sex pairing in the show, and also featuring its first deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis, who went on to win the competition. The competition will be returning for its 20th year in September, and Simmonds told the BBC she was embracing the “once in a lifetime” opportunity: “I’m so excited, I just want to enjoy every second and try out the sequins and costumes. Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds has been announced as a contestant for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, saying she’s delighted to be the first contestant with dwarfism to take part in the show.

Five-time Paralympic gold medal winning swimmer Ellie Simmonds will appear on one of Britain's most-watched television shows next season.

Other swimmers have competed on other international versions of the show. The only other swimmer have appeared on the show, besides Peaty and Simmonds, include Olympic swimmer Mark Foster (11th place, season 6). Each week, the pairs learn a dance in a new style and perform for a set of judges and the voting public.

PARALYMPIC swimming legend Ellie Simmonds is 'bursting with excitement' to be entering Strictly Come Dancing - although she admits she is 'petrified'.

“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 absolutely petrified! Ellie said: “I will be so, so nervous, and I will try not to think of all the people watching.“ I know all my family and friends will support me and help me stay grounded.

Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds is the latest celebrity revealed as part of the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 line-up.

I’m absolutely petrified! I’m absolutely petrified! I’m literally bursting with excitement!

Swimming Paralympic legend Ellie Simmonds was unveiled as the sixth confirmed celeb signed up for the BBC dancing show on Sunday.

“To be part of it is so exciting. It is a family tradition to watch it every year. She said: “It has been so hard, you just want to tell everyone.

I'm a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I'm absolutely petrified!”

She added: “To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, it’s going to be a blast. I’m going on Strictly Come Dancing!!

Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds is the latest celebrity revealed as part of the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 line-up. | ITV News Central.

Plus wearing the sequins and all that, it’s going to be a blast." I’m literally bursting with excitement!" I’m absolutely petrified!

Ellie Simmonds is heading for the Strictly ballroom this year. The retired Paralympic swimmer is 'bursting with excitement' to be joining the hit BBC ...

I've had a wonderful competition and I've loved every minute of it.” The retired athlete was ecstatic to confirm the news as she said: “Oh my gosh!! It’s been soooo hard keeping this secret as I’ve wanted to tell everyone.

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Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It’s going to be a blast. “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 absolutely petrified! - Seven gold and two silver medals at the European Championships - Five gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the Paralympic Games Simmonds is a retired British Paralympian swimmer who became a household name back in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing when she won two gold medals for Team GB. At the time, she was the youngest member of the team at just 13.

Simmonds retired from swimming in 2021 and has since gone on to become a broadcaster for BBC Sport. However, the British star has now confirmed the news that ...

I’m absolutely petrified! I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I’m absolutely petrified!

The five-time Paralympic champion and broadcaster said she is 'bursting with excitement'

Plus wearing the sequins and all that, it’s going to be a blast. “I am really looking forward to it. “I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad…