TV personality and Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers has become the eighth celebrity announced for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
JJ began his career in the Royal Marines, but this was cut short following life-changing injuries he sustained in an explosion in Afghanistan.
Following this, he trained to compete in The Invictus Games, winning three medals as captain of the Trike Cycling team in 2016.
More recently, he’s pursued a career in TV presenting, and is now giving the Strictly dance floor a try.
He said: “My whole life is defined by facing challenges. 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!”
JJ’s TV credits include BBC Sports coverage of the Commonwealth Games and London Marathon.
Seven celebrities had already been confirmed before JJ was revealed on Thursday morning, with award-winning actor Caroline Quentin, former NFL player Jason Bell and The Wanted singer Max George the first three stars to be unveiled.
Since then, Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, comedian Bill Bailey and Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo were added to the line-up, with Olympic boxer Nicola Adams also revealed to be part of the show’s first ever same-sex partnership.