Paratriathlete Lauren Steadman to take on Strictly

Rio Paralympic silver medallist Lauren Steadman has announced that she is to be part of the BBC’s popular programme, Strictly Come Dancing, this autumn.

The timing is perfect as the BBC series kicks off with a launch show in September (dates TBC), just after she returns from the ITU World Champs in Gold Coast, Australia, where she will be hoping to go one better than at last year’s Worlds to bring home gold in the PTS5 category.

The all-important launch show is where she’ll find out who her partner will be. But whoever it is, her fitness levels and renowned competitive nature will certainly ensure she’ll stand up to whatever her partner throws at her.

Back in 2016 pre-Rio, in an exclusive interview with 220, she also revealed a love of dancing.

“I’ve been doing salsa for two years. I was working with my psychologist, Chris Wagstaff, and he said ‘When you’re younger and you did sport it was a hobby and you loved it, but now it’s no longer a hobby, it’s your career, so find something else.’ I already do the baking, the reading, and then I saw a poster for salsa. I do it twice a week.

“When you dance you forget about all the stresses,” she continued. “If I’m feeling stressed with sport and uni then I can go and dance with my friends.”

Let’s hope dancing in the show remains stress-free, even as she faces the infamous judges. But then if anyone can stand up to competitive pressure, it’s Steadman.

Strictly’s launch show will be on BBC One in September, with the full series returning later on in the autumn. 

Say hello to the #Strictly class of 2018!