Paralympian Will Bayley has joined this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The World Table Tennis champion confirmed he would be competing on the BBC ballroom series during an interview on TalkRadio on Monday.
Will, who has lived with arthrogryposis – a rare condition which affects all four of his limbs – since birth, said he hoped his participation would inspire others with disabilities.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Will was one of the stars of London 2012 and Rio 2016 games, winning consecutive silver and gold medals
In January 2017, he was awarded an MBE for services for Table Tennis and is currently training to defend his Paralympic title at the Tokyo 2020 games.
He also recently won Gold at the Japan Open 2019.
Will was announced for the show just moments after RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage confirmed she was also among the new contestants.
The pair join those already confirmed for this year’s Strictly, including comedian Chris Ramsey, YouTuber Saffron Barker, former footballer David James, soap star Emma Barton and former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldsley.
Also on the line-up are BBC Breakfast star Mike Bushell, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual and chef Viscountess Emma Weymouth.
There are many other names still rumoured to be on the line-up, including Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, broadcaster Anneka Rice and Atomic Kitten singer Natasha Hamilton.
Other names for the series will be announced in the coming days.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.
