James Cracknell reveals he had to go through rigorous mental tests before taking part in Strictly

Strictly star James Cracknell reveals he had to go through rigorous mental tests before the BBC agreed to let him take part in the show after nearly dying in horror accident nine years ago

  • James Cracknell says he had to have more tests for BBC’s Strictly due to injury
  • Bosses were worried about the lasting effects of an accident ten years ago 
  • Cracknell has been paired with Russian dancer Luba Mushtuk, 29, for the show 

Bosses were worried about the lasting effects of an accident in which the Olympic gold medallist almost died nine years ago

James Cracknell has revealed he had to go through rigorous psychological tests before the BBC agreed he was well enough to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Bosses were worried about the lasting effects of an accident in which the Olympic gold medallist almost died nine years ago.

They feared the brain injury he suffered would leave him struggling to deal with the long hours of training and bruising comments from the judges.

Cracknell, 47, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘I had to have more tests because of my injury. They wanted to make sure that I was OK to go on.

‘They had to check I was well enough and able to cope with the hours that are required to take part, and also that I would be mentally strong enough to deal with the judges who, let’s face it, would have no choice but to judge me fairly and that might not always be nice.

Cracknell, who has been paired with Russian dancer Luba Mushtuk, 29, was seen wiping away what appeared to be a tear when he was criticised by the judges on last week’s opening show

Cracknell, who has been paired with Russian dancer Luba Mushtuk, 29, was seen wiping away what appeared to be a tear when he was criticised by the judges on last week’s opening show

‘I know I was tested more psychologically than some others, which I am grateful to Strictly for.’

Cracknell, who has been paired with Russian dancer Luba Mushtuk, 29, was seen wiping away what appeared to be a tear when he was criticised by the judges on last week’s opening show. He was awarded just 11 points for his tango.

He was blasted by judge Craig Revel Horwood, who said his ‘posture was hunched’ and his bottom was ‘sticking way out’.

Fans jumped to his defence, acknowledging his terrible accident, with one writing on Twitter: ‘I didn’t realise James’ back story. I’m going to use this to inspire my children – bravery, determination and never giving up.’

He was hoping to improve for last night’s jive to Tutti Frutti by Little Richard. The rowing champion, who split from his wife Bev Turner last year and is now dating American financier Jordan Connell, developed epilepsy in 2010 after he was hit by a lorry while cycling across America.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk