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Train Hero Joins Dancing With The Stars Cast

Train Hero Joins Dancing With The Stars Cast

An American soldier who helped overpower a gunman on a French train will soon be displaying some new nifty moves - as he joins the cast of Dancing with the Stars.

Alek Skarlatos will compete against the likes of Oscar-nominated actor Gary Busey and celebrity chef Paula Deen on the 21st season of the ABC reality show.

R&B icon Chaka Khan, Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter and the late Steve Irwin's daughter, Bindi Irwin, will also appear.

Skarlatos, 22, said on Wednesday he was joining the dance-off show to have fun.

"I hope I learn a lot," he added.

He was on a European holiday with two childhood friends last month when they subdued a Moroccan national who burst into their carriage armed with an automatic rifle.

The Oregon Army National Guard specialist and his travel companions, US serviceman Spencer Stone and student Anthony Sadler, received the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest honour.

A British man involved in the intervention, Chris Norman, also received the medal.

The Californian city of Sacramento plans to hold a parade in honour of the three friends.

Skarlatos will also receive the Soldier's Medal, the US Army's highest award for non-combat valour.

Last week he attended a team practice of German soccer team FC Bayern Munich after he was spotted wearing the team's jersey during a TV interview.