‘The money was good!’: Footballer Tony Adams reveals he turned down Strictly six years ago ‘to be taken seriously as a coach’ – ahead of his appearance in this year’s lineup
Strictly Come Dancing star Tony Adams has revealed he previously turned down an offer to appear on the series six years ago before signing up for the upcoming 20th series.
The former England footballer, 55, said that despite the ‘money being good’ he was worried he would not be taken seriously as a football coach if he signed up to the Saturday night show.
The 2016 series in question featured politician Ed Balls, Laura Whitmore, fellow sportsman Greg Rutherford and eventual winner Ore Oduba.
‘The money was good!’: Strictly’s Tony Adams revealed he originally turned down the show six years ago as he ‘wanted to be taken seriously as a football coach’
Tony, who went on to coach teams in Azerbaijan and Spain, told The Mirror: ‘One of the main reasons I turned down chances to go on Strictly Come Dancing – despite the money on offer being good – was because I was concerned about not being taken seriously as a football coach after it.’
However Tony is now embracing the challenge, and will join Fleur East and Will Mellor in this year’s line up, adding: ‘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 Strictly soft shoes. I can’t wait to meet my partner. God help her!’
Could have been: The 2016 series featured politician Ed Balls, Laura Whitmore, Greg Rutherford and eventual winner Ore Oduba (pictured alongside partner Joanne Cliffton)
The Arsenal footballer won an impressive 66 caps for England and is still the only player to captain a team to the three top titles ( League Championship, League Cup and UEFA Champions’ League) in three different decades.
It comes after fellow contestant Matt Goss said he is not scared of the ‘Strictly curse’ and that he just wants to have fun on the dance show.
The Bros singer, 53, has said his girlfriend Chantal Brown is backing him on the BBC contest and is unfazed by the supposed curse, which has seen several contestants break-up with their partners over the years.
Solid: Matt Goss, 53, has said that his girlfriend Chantal Brown is backing him on the show and is unfazed by the supposed curse which saw several contestants cheat on their spouses with their dance partners
He told The Sun: ‘The Strictly curse doesn’t concern me at all, I’m there to learn and that’s it, I respect the dancers and their ability. I want to do my best.’
The singer, who recently ended an 11-year residency in Las Vegas, added: ‘Chantal is very supportive, she wants me to smash it and she is going to come and watch.
‘She says, ‘go and have the best time. I want you to have an amazing experience’.
Matt began dating his jewellery designer girlfriend Chantal earlier this year and recently told The Daily Mail she is ‘sensitive, kind and makes me laugh’.
He added that he wants to get as far as he can in the dance competition and spoke of his ‘tremendous’ respect for his fellow competitors.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 17th September on BBC One and iPlayer.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’
RICHIE ANDERSON
Age: 34
Profession: Radio presenter
Richie says: ‘This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!’
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’
ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: ‘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’
JAMES BYE
Age: 38
Profession: EastEnders actor
James says ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.’
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio broadcaster
Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’
KAYE ADAMS
Age: 59
Profession: Television presenter
Kaye says: ‘I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’
JAYDE ADAMS
Age: 37
Profession: Comedian
Jayde says: ‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’
MATT GOSS
Age: 53
Profession: Singer
Matt says: ‘I’ve been reclusive, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought, it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’
MOLLY RAINFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’
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