Ellie Simmonds set for Strictly

Ellie Simmonds is set to take part in 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The Paralympic swimmer - who has achondroplasia, a type of dwarfism - admitted it is a "genuine privilege" to be involved with the BBC Latin and ballroom competition and although she's "petrified" about getting on the dance floor, she can't wait to start training.

She said: “Oh my gosh!! I’m literally bursting with excitement!!

It’s been soooo hard keeping this secret as I’ve wanted to tell everyone. I’m going on Strictly Come Dancing!! I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I’m absolutely petrified! 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. I’m counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It’s going to be a blast. I’ve been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it’s a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it’s a genuine privilege to be part of it.”

The 27-year-old sportswoman previously praised 2021 'Strictly' winner Rose Ayling-Ellis for representing the deaf community on the show.

She said: "There should be much more acceptance and awareness of being different.

This helps children realise disability is just a part of normal society.”

Ellie won gold medals in Beijing when she was just 13 years old and received an MBE in recognition a year later, making her the youngest-ever recipient of the honour. In 2013, it was upgraded to an OBE for services to Paralympic sport.

She retired after the 2020 Tokyo games after having added to her accomplishments with nine titles and a further 15 medals.

She has recently helped present the BBC's coverage of the Commonwealth Games and also fronted a documentary for the network titled 'Ellie Simmonds: A World Without Dwarfism?'.

So far, Will Mellor, Kym Marsh, Kaye Adams, DJ Richie Anderson and comic Jayde Adams have signed up for the next series of the show, while former England footballer Tony Adams is also rumoured to be taking part.