Ryan Lochte is due to appear on the next series of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ - the US version of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The controversial Olympian’s signing is sure to raise eyebrows among some fans of the ballroom-based reality show, given that Ryan gave a false report about being mugged at gunpoint while in Rio for this year’s games.
However, according to USA Today, Ryan inked his deal with ‘Dancing With The Stars’ before he was found to have “over-exaggerated” his story - and, indeed, before this year’s Olympics had even begun - rather than in a response to the furore he found himself at the centre of.
A source “familiar with the deal” revealed to USA Today that Ryan was reality TV-bound, but did so “under anonymity” because he’s yet to be officially confirmed by ABC, the American network who produce ‘Dancing With The Stars’.
Following the controversy brought on by the incident in Rio, Ryan has since lost four lucrative sponsorship deals, which included brands like Speedo and Ralph Lauren.
In a statement, a Speedo spokesperson said earlier this week: “While we have enjoyed a winning relationship with Ryan for over a decade and he has been an important member of the Speedo team, we cannot condone behaviour that is counter to the values this brand has long stood for.”
Other stars tipped for the new series of ‘DWTS’ include controversial media personality Amber Rose, ‘Little Women: LA’ cast member Terra Jolé and music producer Babyface.
Meanwhile, the new series of ‘Strictly’ kicks off here in the UK next Saturday (3 September), with these 15 celebrities all gearing up to take part…