Jonnie Peacock: Relive the Paralympic GB sprinter’s Attitude cover shoot
By Will Stroude
British sporting hero Jonnie Peacock is set to become the first ever disable contestant to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, and we can’t wait to see what the two-time Paralympic gold medal winner brings to the dance floor on Saturday nights this autumn.
24-year-old Jonnie, who took home the gold in the T44 men’s 100 metres event at the 2012 London Paralympics and 2016 Rio Paralympics, had his right leg amputated below the knee as a child after contracting meningitis, but that hasn’t prevented him becoming one of the fastest men on the planet – and now, perhaps, one of its best movers.
The former Attitude cover star said: “The opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability to take part in Strictly’s main show was too good to turn down.
“I’ve got no previous dance history outside of the occasional ‘worm’ at a mate’s party and I know this will be a challenge and a new experience. I can’t wait to see what I can achieve and how far I can push myself.”
To celebrate Jonnie’s history-making turn on Strictly, we thought we’d revisit his really rather lovely Attitude cover shoot from January 2013. Don’t say we never treat you…
Jonnie joins a star-studded Strictly line-up that includes Holby City stars Chizzy Akudolu and Joe McFadden, Rev Richard Coles, Emmerdale’s Gemma Atkinson, This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford, actor and comedian Davood Ghadami and Mollie King from The Saturdays.
JLS singer Aston Merrygold, comedian Brian Conley and Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins will also take part, along with Sunday Brunch chef Simon Rimmer and comedian Susan Calman.
Strictly Come Dancing is expected to air on BBC One in late September.
Attitude’s September issue is out now. Buy in print, subscribe or download.More stories:Nyle DiMarco discusses sexuality and changing deaf lives in Attitude’s October issueKaty Perry breaks down as she meets Pulse survivor, makes him a life-changing offer