Strictly’s Tony Adams thanks fans ‘saving his life’ in emotional post

Strictly: Tony Adams says show has been 'brutal'

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In the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing, Tony Adams, 56, and his partner Katya Jones, 33, performed an emotional dance that got them through to the next round. Tony dedicated the performance “to everyone that saved my life” and has since been flooded with messages of love and support from fans. 

Tony posted two stunning stills from his latest routine with Katya on Instagram on Monday evening. 

He sweetly captioned the post: “I don’t think my family, friends and those reaching out with love know quite what it means to me. 

“Mental health and addiction issues can lead to the darkest of places, and you keep saving my life. Every day.

“To all of you, that one was for you.”

“Thank you for everyone’s continued support for both Katya Jones and I. It means the world.”

Tony was a heavy drinker for almost 12 years, including during the height of his football career.

He has now been entirely sober for 26 years, dedicating his most recent Strictly performance to those that helped him fight his addiction. 

Fellow Strictly contestant Ellie Simmonds responded to Tony’s post with a trio of blue hearts, while countless fans called the former footballer a “legend” and “inspiration”. 

One fan commented: “To be fair you never shirked a challenge on or off the pitch. A true warrior. No surprise you’re doing well and the country is behind you. 

“From a Chelsea fan. Keep it up to Tony.”

Another shared an emotional, personal moment with Tony, commenting: “Reminded me of going to your book signing in Selfridges, there was a little lad outside in his Arsenal shirt and autograph book. 

“Security wouldn’t let him queue to meet you as he hadn’t bought a book. You noticed him outside and got him brought in.

“You were a beautiful soul then and still are today, Addiction made me cry, such a powerful book. Keep going Tony.”

The American Smooth routine was set to the Joe Cocker song With a Little Help From My Friends.

Tony shared on the show: “This dance is full of emotion and I’m doing it for all the people that have helped me. All the people that have helped me down the years.”

All of the Strictly judges congratulated Tony’s consistent improvement over the weeks and he showed a glimpse of his footballer celebrations, running around the stage as the judges gave their remarks.

Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman, the footballer dedicated the performance to: “All my friends who have been involved in my recovery.”

Taking a moment to collect himself, an emotional Tony continued: “It’s been an emotional show! To everyone that saved my life and made me want to live again.”

In 2020, Tony revealed to The Guardian that during his drinking years he “did not want to live”.

He added: “I was at ‘jumping off point’, we call it. I got there, and only then was I able to ask for help.”

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