Tony Adams has become the eleventh contestant to be confirmed for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The football legend said on Wednesday afternoon: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the Salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to meet my partner – god help her! – and start the dancing.”
Tony’s career in football spanned 22 years, during which time he captained both Arsenal and the England national team.
After retiring from playing, he branched out into coaching and management, and was awarded an MBE for services to professional football in the Queen’s birthday honours in 1999.
He was the second celebrity to be announced for the upcoming series on Wednesday, after CBBC star and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Molly Rainford.
Tony and Molly join the nine celebrities already revealed to have signed up for Strictly’s landmark 20th run.
Will Mellor and Kym Marsh were the first two contestants to be unveiled, after which Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson, Loose Women panellist Kaye Adams and stand-up performer Jayde Adams were also confirmed.
Since then, Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, 80s chart-topper Matt Goss, comedian Ellie Taylor and DJ Tyler West have also been unveiled.
More celebrities will be announced in the coming days, with TV chef Gino D’Acampo, broadcaster Helen Skelton, Olympic diver Tom Daley and daytime star Steph McGovern among the rumoured stars.