Former Olympic rower James Cracknell was unveiled as one of 15 celebrities participating in Strictly Come Dancing 2019. Along with the likes of Anneka Rice, Paralympian Will Bayley and ex-Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley, James will be taking part in the BBC dancing series. However, could his ambitions to lift the Glitterball Trophy be scuppered even before he takes to the dance floor?
Will James Cracknell pull out of Strictly Come Dancing after recent accident?
James, 47, was recently involved in a collision while cycling out and about in London.
The athlete took to social media to talk about the crash and posted a video in which he told his 86,000 Twitter followers about the incident.
James captioned the video: “Slight wobble – literally – in my Strictly preparations. Luckily only a bit of road rash and damaged ego – but I need to get ready for the latter. #daddancing #sharetheroad.”
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In the clip, he said: “It wasn’t a good day for Jake the Snake, the bike that saw me through Cambridge or me, as my Strictly Come Dancing dreams nearly came to an end when I had an altercation with a minicab driver in London.
“It was nobody’s fault really. Good thing was there was no street furniture around for me to fall into.
“I was also wearing a helmet and I wasn’t listening to music so I was focused on what was ahead.”
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He finished off, quipping: “I’ve got more chance of winning the Tour [de France] than Strictly, but in for a penny.”
Despite admitting his Strictly Come Dancing dreams “nearly came to an end”, James is ramping up for the BBC show.
James, along with the other celebrities, is getting ready for the Strictly Come Dancing launch show which is expected to be airing in early September.
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The father-of-three with ex-wife Beverley Turner is yet to be paired up with the professional dancer as yet.
Fans will find out who he’ll be waltzing with during the launch show when all the couples will be confirmed.
The former sportsman was unveiled on Good Morning Britain back on August 7.
He said about joining the line-up: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of Strictly this year.
“Having spent so many years mucking around in a rowing boat with big men in tight lycra, it’s time I learned a new skill.”
James jokingly added: “I need to apologise to my kids in advance for the embarrassment.”
The bookmakers are touting James’ chances of winning at 9/2 from Skybet. But he faces stiff competition from Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual both at 3/1.
The athlete is on par with comedian Chris Ramsey, who’s also been given 9/2 by the bookies.
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 will be launching on BBC One in September
