Strictly Come Dancing eyeing up Ade Adepitan for 2023 line-up
Ellie Taylor says Strictly Come Dancing nerves are ‘horrific’
Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly eyeing up Paralympian Ade Adepitan to be the show’s first wheelchair contestant. After Rose Ayling-Ellis made history as the first deaf contestant and Ellie Simmonds found success dancing with Nikita Kuzmin in the 2022 series, bosses are hoping Ade will be a hit with viewers too.
It’s reported Ade, 50, from Lagos, Nigeria, could be the first star to be confirmed for the new series.
A source claimed “so much work has hone into this project” as Strictly aims to go “where no other show has been before”.
They added: “It is not an easy one to orchestrate but there are things that are going to make it easier.”
MailOnline report Strictly bosses think it will be better to have a male celebrity in a wheelchair as it “will provide more opportunities for the female professional dancer to be lifted” and move around the chair.
The source added to the publication: “To have someone who is used to being more nimble in their wheelchair would make things less challenging.
“Having a man instead of a woman will also make it more achievable for things like lifts. That’s not to say going forward that can’t change.”
They went on to state “Strictly is determined to make this work” as they want the show be accessible to all.
It comes after it was reported Loose Women panelist Sophie Morgan could star on the show in a wheelchair.
In March, it was claimed the 38-year-old presenter would be a “very glamorous” addition to the line-up.
A source told The Sun at the time: “She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequinned 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.”
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Fans of the BBC series know the line-up is not confirmed until the summer when the celebrities begin training.
So far those rumoured to be taking part in this year’s series include former Emmerdale star Amy Nuttall, who recently split from her husband Andrew Buchan.
Gino D’Acampo is also a favourite to appear after he quit his role on Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip earlier this year.
Other rumoured celebrities include Peter Crouch, Steph McGovern and Emma Willis.
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to BBC One later this year.
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