Sophie Morgan 'lined up as Strictly's first wheelchair-using star'
Strictly Come Dancing bosses ‘line up Loose Women’s Sophie Morgan to make history as the show’s first ever wheelchair-using contestant’
Strictly Come Dancing have reportedly lined up Loose Women star Sophie Morgan to be the show’s first ever wheelchair-using contestant.
The presenter, 38, is paralysed from the chest down following a car accident aged 18.
And show bosses are said to be keen to get her on the BBC show, believing that she’s the ‘ideal’ star to join, while also ‘very glamorous’ to rock the sensational costumes.
A source told The Sun: ‘She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes.
‘She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It’s still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months.’
Making history? Strictly Come Dancing have reportedly lined up Loose Women star Sophie Morgan to be the show’s first ever wheelchair-using contestant (pictured in 2021)
Keen: Show bosses are said to be keen to get her on the BBC show, believing that she’s the ‘ideal’ star to join, while also ‘very glamorous’ to rock the sensational costumes (hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly pictured last yeaR)
It comes after the popularity of the show’s first deaf participant, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won the contest in 2022 and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, who made it to week six last year.
The source added: ‘Producers have seen the effect Rose and Ellie had on the show and believe Sophie would be the perfect fit.’
They went on to say how Strictly has fast become ‘one of the most progressive shows on television’, with the programme repeatedly ‘pushing the boundaries’ when it comes to diversity and inclusion.
MailOnline have contacted Strictly representatives for comment.
As well as Rose and Ellie, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock became the very first disabled contestant to take part back in 2017.
It comes as last month, The Mail on Sunday revealed that BBC chiefs were casting around for a star to take part as the popular Saturday-night dance competition continues to be the most inclusive on television.
They had initially hoped to make it happen last year but producers ran out of time to train a professional dancer to pair with the celebrity so had to put it off until the forthcoming series.
A BBC source revealed: ‘This is an extremely challenging project but one that Strictly bosses think is worth it and believe it is going to be absolutely brilliant.
No stopping her: The presenter, 38, is paralysed from the chest down following a car accident aged 18
Lovely: She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity’ (pictured on Loose Women)
Decision: It comes after the popularity of the show’s first deaf participant, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won the contest in 2022, while Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, who made it to week six last year
Groundbreaking: In 2018, Strictly aired a group routine featuring their professionals teaming up with wheelchair-bound dancers from the inclusive Candoco Dance Company
‘It is yet another example of how progressive and inclusive the programme is. As well as creating some wonderful television moments, it will also give an amazing opportunity to someone in a wheelchair.
‘The original plan was that it would happen last year but the logistics are very difficult and to get a professional dancer trained and ready to take this on meant more work than was originally anticipated, so the most sensible thing to do was to put it off for a year.
‘There is so much excitement about this at the BBC right now.’
In 2018, Strictly aired a group routine featuring their professionals teaming up with wheelchair-bound dancers from the inclusive Candoco Dance Company.
They performed to David Bowie’s Life On Mars in a routine that was choreographed by the show’s former judge, Arlene Phillips.
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