Katie Piper has said that her involvement in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has provided a welcome distraction from the news that the attacker who threw acid in her face is to be released from prison.
In 2008, Katie was the victim of an acid attack at the hands of Stefan Sylvestre, who was given a life sentence following the incident, and was told he would serve a minimum of 12 years.
On Friday, The Mirror reported that Sylvestre will be “out of jail soon”, which Katie commented on in a statement on her Twitter account.
Open Image Modal
Katie Piper
Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Commenting on how signing up for ‘Strictly’ had helped keep her mind busy, the model and media personality wrote: “This is a really difficult time for me. I am trying to come to terms with the decision and this is something I need to deal with.
“Over the past two weeks, ‘Strictly’ has already given me such a welcome and positive distraction from my past. Whilst there is never a good time to hear this news, I’m glad I have this new journey to concentrate on.”
Katie recently spoke out about how the effects of the acid attack could make things more difficult for her, as she still suffers from breathing issues, and is blind in one eye.
“The respiratory problem makes training a bit harder,” she explained. “I tried to practise some steps and can’t really move my head back because of a band of scar tissue that starts at the top of my head.
“Everyone will be like, ‘Why’s she pulling that funny face?’ and I’ll be like, ’No, that’s my face!’”
Katie needed over 40 operations following the attack, including pioneering facial skin grafts, and has been open about her battles with depression as she recovered.
15 Dream 'Strictly Come Dancing' Celebs
Danny Dyer(01 of15)
Open Image Modal
Seeing Danny Dyer taking his trotters for a Jack Plance is exactly what TV was made for, and whilst it might seem unlikely he'd ever sign up, don't forget he once said he'd "never" do 'EastEnders'... (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Nigella Lawson(02 of15)
Open Image Modal
Nigella loves anything decadent and extra, and with 'Strictly' being the most decadent and extra show on TV, quite why she hasn't signed up yet is a mystery to us. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Courtney Act / Shane Janek(03 of15)
Open Image Modal
Bosses may not be keen on casting former reality TV stars, but they should probably make an exception for 'Drag Race' alum and 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner Courtney, who would bring some drag queen glam to the often binary world of ballroom. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Idris Elba(04 of15)
Open Image Modal
He may be busy having a huge Hollywood career, but wouldn't it be great to see Idris back on home turf? Plus, just look at how smooth he'd look in ballroom top and tails. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Stacey Solomon(05 of15)
Open Image Modal
When it was teased one of the 2018 contestants would be revealed on 'Loose Women', many fans predicted it would be panellist Stacey Solomon getting her dancing shoes on. And as much as we're excited to see Lee, Stacey would have been a brilliant booking. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Richard Madeley(06 of15)
Open Image Modal
Just imagine Richard and Craig Revel Horwood clashing. TV gold. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of15)
Open Image Modal
The 'TOWIE' star was holding out for a spot on the 2018 line-up by way of compensation from the BBC, following *that* on-stage fall at the Radio 1 Teen Awards. And while bosses probably didn't want to give in to her diva demands, just think of all the meme-able content she would have served up. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain(08 of15)
Open Image Modal
Snapping up the most popular winner of what was once the BBC's most popular show is a no brainer, right? (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of15)
Open Image Modal
The former 'Corrie' star has been tipped for 'Strictly' every year in recent memory, so we'd like her finally do it, even if it's just so we never have to hear a "Michelle Keegan for 'Strictly'" rumour again. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(10 of15)
Open Image Modal
Every series needs a sportsman, and what better man than former England captain and all-round good guy Rio Ferdinand? Given all that footwork on the pitch, we reckon he'd probably have the moves on the dancefloor too. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of15)
Open Image Modal
From the look of this picture, the wardrobe department wouldn't even have to make any outfits for Bev - she'd be able to bring in her own frocks. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Greg James(12 of15)
Open Image Modal
Having taken over as the host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg has just earned a whole new following. And what better way to capitalise on that than by doing 'Strictly'? (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(13 of15)
Open Image Modal
Far be from us to suggest Alan would not be the most talented of dancers, but he'd be guaranteed to bring the laughs. (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Sara Cox(14 of15)
Open Image Modal
The Radio 2 DJ was robbed of a full run as a contestant when she took part in the 2013 Christmas special, if you ask us. (credit:Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)
Paddy McGuinness(15 of15)
Open Image Modal
Let the dance see the floor! (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)