‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant Katie Piper has revealed the acid attack she suffered 10 years ago is likely to have an impact on her dancing ability.
The star told the Daily Mirror she will have to work harder than everyone else when training because she still suffers from health issues relating to the attack.
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The attack 10 years ago left Katie almost blind in one eye
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She said: “The respiratory problem makes training a bit harder. 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!’”
The attack also left Katie blind in one eye, which she admits will make things “harder” on the BBC ballroom show.
“If you cover one eye and think you can’t see your peripheral, that is harder with dancing, steps and anticipating your partner,” she said.
“I’m like an elephant with no rhythm. When I was practicing I was stamping on feet and banging into people.
“I’ll just have to work really hard at the training.”
Katie was the first celebrity announced for this year’s ‘Strictly’ last week, with other contestants including Kate Silverton and Sean Walsh.
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Katie has written several books and launched a charity since the attack
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After a brief relationship in 2008, Daniel Lynch attacked Katie with sulphuric acid only days after raping her.
Lynch arranged the attack with friend Stefan Sylvestre and both are serving life sentences.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has considered the parole review for Stefan Sylvestre and expect to receive the panel’s decision in the coming weeks.
“We are unable to comment further on the individual details of this case.”
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.
Strictly Come Dancing 2018: All The Rumoured Contestants
Gemma Collins(01 of08)
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Joey isn’t the only ‘TOWIE’ star to be linked to the new series. Gemma Collins’ approach to getting on the show was to threaten not to sue the BBC after she fell through the floor at last year’s Radio 1 Teen Awards if she was given a spot on ‘Strictly’.
But judge Craig Revel Horwood isn’t convinced, insisting the GC isn’t the right “calibre” for ‘Strictly’. But Gemma remained unrepentant, telling OK! Magazine: "I'll burst onto that dance floor and show them what a samba is! He won't know what's hit him." (credit:Samir Hussein via Getty Images)
Piers Morgan(02 of08)
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The ‘Good Morning Britain’ presenter could be following in his colleague Susanna Reid’s footsteps after he tweeted a snap of him dancing with former contender and Labour MP Ed Balls. He captioned the shot: "BREAKING: My #Strictly training has begun."
His nemesis Lord Sugar upped the stakes when he offered to donate £25,000 to charity if Piers does take part, and an additional £25,000 if he gets past week five. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Dan Walker(03 of08)
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Piers further fuelled rumours that he’d be taking to the ‘Strictly’ dance floor after his BBC Breakfast rival Dan Walker was linked to the new series. Piers said: “I would seriously consider [Strictly] if it meant giving Walker a lesson in how to dance in front of nine million people.” (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(04 of08)
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‘Strictly’ did wonders for Michelle’s husband Mark Wright’s profile when he made the 2014 final. The former ‘Corrie’ star and ‘Our Girl’ actress has been rumoured to be at the top of ‘Strictly’ bosses’ wish-list for the last few years, so will we finally see her take to the dance floor in 2018? (credit:Samir Hussein via Getty Images)
Les Dennis(05 of08)
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The former ‘Coronation Street’ actor has hinted on more than one occasion that he’d love to appear on ‘Strictly’. During an appearance on ‘Sunday Brunch’ he said: “When I was doing Coronation Street I was approached but we weren't allowed to do it, we had a policy. I wouldn't mind doing it, I always like a challenge."
He reiterated his interest during an appearance on ‘This Morning’ earlier this year, saying: "I would love to do it. Yes please. Ice skating, well maybe…that's more scary. But who knows.” (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Nadiya Hussain(06 of08)
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The ‘Bake Off’ champ is a big fan of 'Strictly' and after being invited to watch one of the live shows last year, BBC bosses reportedly made no secret of how much they’d love Nadiya to appear on the new series. (credit:HGL via Getty Images)
Holly Willoughby(07 of08)
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The ‘This Morning’ presenter is a self-confessed ‘Strictly’ superfan, admitting that she’d “love” to learn some new moves on the 'Strictly' dancefloor. She admitted: "I'm obsessed with Strictly, so I'd love to learn to dance." (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Cheryl(08 of08)
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We can’t help but think this is a serious case of wishful thinking, mainly on behalf of head judge Shirley Ballas who has stated she would love to see Chezza strutting her stuff. "I think Cheryl Cole would be amazing,” she said. So do we Shirl, but we reckon there’s more chance of Girls Aloud getting back together. (credit:Empics Entertainment)