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Strictly 2019 line up: Paralympian Will Bayley announced as contestant

“I want to inspire people with a disability,” said the table tennis champion

Ellie Harrison
Monday 05 August 2019 13:59 BST
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(Getty Images)

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Paralympic champion Will Bayley has been announced as the tenth celebrity to join the line-up of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The table tennis player was revealed to be taking part on the show on Talkradio, and will be joining former EastEnders star Emma Barton, ex-footballer David James, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage, Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and many more on the line-up.

He said: “I’m so proud to be on the show, it’s my family’s favourite show.

“I have no dance experience at all, but I hope I can do well.

“I want to inspire people with a disability – that would mean a lot to me. I want to prove to people I can do this.”

Earlier this month it was announced that new judge Motsi Mabuse would replace ballerina Darcey Bussell, who stepped down from the judging panel after seven years.

Mabuse will be joined by returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning as hosts.

Last year’s series saw broadcaster Stacey Dooley win with professional partner Kevin Clifton.

The 2019 edition will be without professional dancer Pasha Kovalev who recently announced he had quit the show after “eight incredible years” to “find a new challenge”.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September

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