Strictly bosses 'line up Loose Women star as first ever wheelchair-using contestant'
04.03.2023 - 17:59
/ ok.co.uk
Strictly Come Dancing have reportedly lined up Loose Women star Sophie Morgan to be the show's first ever wheelchair-using contestant.The presenter, 38, is paralysed from the chest down following a car accident aged 18. A source told The Sun: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequinned costumes.
"She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It’s still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months." It comes after EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, 28, became Strictly’s first deaf contestant, winning the Glitterball Trophy in 2021. Former Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, also 28, proved a success on last year’s series.The added: "Producers have seen the effect Rose and Ellie had on the show and believe Sophie would be the perfect fit." OK! has contacted the BBC for a comment, but they declined to comment.
They continued to say how Strictly has fast become 'one of the most progressive shows on television', with the programme repeatedly 'pushing the boundaries' when it comes to diversity and inclusion. As well as Rose and Ellie, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock became the very first disabled contestant to take part back in 2017. Strictly featured a group routine in 2018 where the pros performed with wheelchair-users who spun around and were lifted in the air.
Sophie has previously been open about her disability, saying: “Non-disabled and disabled have very different experiences. It does feel like two different lives. "The person I became after my injury is very different to the person I was.
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