Strictly to make TV history with first-ever celebrity wheelchair user in line-up

08 February 2023 , 14:18

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Strictly to make TV history with first-ever celebrity wheelchair user in line-up

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is set to be the most inclusive series yet as BBC bosses plan to include a celebrity who uses a wheelchair in the line-up.

The show has included celebrities with disabilities but a wheelchair user has never taken part in the competition.

Strictly bosses have reportedly said that they think it's "worth" the challenge and that it will be "absolutely brilliant".

It is set to become yet another example of how progressive and inclusive the programme is.

"As well as creating some wonderful television moments, it will also give an amazing opportunity to someone in a wheelchair," a source said.

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Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2021 (BBC/Guy Levy)

They continued: "The original plan was that it would happen last year but the logistics are difficult and to get a professional dancer trained and ready to take this on meant more work than was originally anticipated, so the most sensible thing to do was to put it off for a year."

The insider added to the Mail Online that there is "so much excitement" about the move.

Jonnie Peacock was the first celebrity with a disability to take part in Strictly Come Dancing (PA)

However, disability rights campaigners has spoken out on some of the discriminatory comments about the news.

Ballerina Kate Stanforth tweeted: "It’s been announced that @bbcstrictly are going to have a wheelchair user this year. I’ve just sat, honestly close to tears, as I’ve scrolled through the ableist comments about how wheelchair users are not welcome on the programme but also in general society."

Journalist and activist Dr Frances Ryan commented: "It’s a minor point but the number of people saying 'the lifts are going to be hard' makes me worry about Britain’s education system. These people genuinely think wheelchair users are 'bound' to the chair. Pretty sure the pro will lift the celeb, not them and their b****y wheels."

Ellie Simmonds was the sixth celebrity to depart the dance floor in 2022 (BBC/Guy Levy)

And disability rights campaigner Rachel Charlton-Dailey said: "This is why I won’t believe the 'announcement' til I see it. Because the public reacts this way when it’s just mentioned that strictly are LOOKING to cast a wheelchair using celeb. Absolutely vile. Disabled people don’t need to prove our worth to you."

The show's first deaf participant EastEnders star Rose Ayling Ellis won the Glitterball Trophy in 2021 with Giovanni Pernice.

Paralympian Jonnie Peacock was the first celebrity with a disability to take part in Strictly in 2017.

Katie Piper took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2018

Fellow Paralympians Ellie Simmonds, Lauren Steadman and Will Bayley have also taken part.

Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers and TV personality Katie Piper were a part of the show in 2020 and 2018 respectively.

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Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later this year.

Charlotte McIntyre