Grab your dancing shoes and don the sequence, Strictly Come Dancing has returned for 2020 and we’ve already got our sights on who should pick up the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
TV presenter, former Marine Commando and Invictus Games medal winner, JJ Chalmers was the eighth celebrity confirmed.
POWER OF SPORT
JJ has lived a full and exciting life to date, from a career with The Royal Marines to winning gold at the inaugural Invictus Games captaining the Trike Cycling Team in 2016.
In 2011, JJ was discharged from the Armed Forces after experiencing life-altering injuries from an improvised explosive device (IED), leaving him with facial, leg and elbow injuries and losing two fingers.
But it was getting involved with sport that allowed JJ to feel like part of a team again – especially when he got the opportunity to participate in the Invictus Games.
Speaking with our sister title, Advance Magazine in 2019, JJ says: “I go to represent my country again, put on a uniform and stand shoulder to shoulder with team mates who had served with me.”
From the Armed Forces, to the Invictus Games, Superhero Series, TV presenting, JJ’s next challenge is Strictly Come Dancing.
And, JJ loves to challenge himself.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
“My whole life is defined by facing challenges,” comments JJ about joining the show when speaking to the BBC. “Whether it’s becoming a Royal Marine Commando, recovering from my injuries sustained in Afghanistan to competing in The Invictus Games.
“Now as a TV presenter I’m lucky enough to witness some of the greatest sporting contests in the world.
“Strictly is a whole different ball game in respect to the challenges I will face, but I’m up for an adventure and at least my mum will know where I am!”
Joining former disabled contestants Will Bayley, Jonnie Peacock and Lauren Steadman, we know that JJ is going to go far in the competition – all whilst shining an important spotlight on the Armed Forces and disability.
GET VOTING
Dancing alongside JJ will include Olympian boxer Nicola Adams OBE – who will feature in the first same sex pairing on the show, comedian Bill Bailey, Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo, and Made in Chelsea star Jamie Lang who is returning this year after he had to leave the show in 2019 due to an injury.
There’s no confirmed date for Strictly Come Dancing 2020, but it’s guaranteed to be another year of excitement, tangos, and wholesome fun.
Make sure to tune in and support JJ when the lines open!
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