Billy Monger has revealed the heartwarming motive he determined to participate on this 12 months’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas particular.
The racing driver and TV presenter, 25, will dance the American Easy with skilled dancer Nadiya Bychkova in a bid to win the festive Glitterball trophy.
And within the lead-up to the particular airing on Christmas Day, he has revealed he’s dancing to say thanks to the surgeon who helped save his life.
Billy was racing in Components 4 in April 2017, when he crashed at excessive velocity in to the rear of one other driver, leaving him critically injured and needing to have each legs amputated.
Regardless of this, he refused to surrender on his racing profession, lobbying to permit each disabled and non-disabled drivers to race alongside one another.
And he defined how he’s doing Strictly in honour of one of many medics who helped him in his restoration, Tom Rowlands and his spouse Courtney.
Billy Monger has revealed the heartwarming motive he determined to participate on this 12 months’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas particular (pictured this month)
The racing driver and TV presenter, 25, will dance the American Easy with skilled dancer Nadiya Bychkova in a bid to win the festive Glitterball trophy (pictured)
Billy was racing in Components 4 in April 2017, when he crashed at excessive velocity in to the rear of one other driver, leaving him critically injured and needing to have each legs amputated
He informed The Mirror: ‘Tom is one among many surgeons who sorted me after I wanted it most. After my accident, we stayed in contact and they’re a part of my shut community of individuals. His spouse, Courtney, who shall be coming to the present, is such an enormous Strictly fan.
‘Once I stated I may be doing Strictly, she stated, “It’s important to do it. I’ve come to Hawaii, so it is advisable do it”. She’s the one who made me assume, “I’ve obtained to do that”.’
Billy admitted that coaching for the present had been ‘difficult’ along with his prosthetics, however credited companion Nadiya for serving to to tweak their routine to suit him, calling her power ‘infectious’.
And regardless of it being laborious work, he admitted that he has loved the method a lot he would even be tempted to do the principle sequence.
Billy stated: ‘The depth and period of the principle present can’t be underestimated. However now having been on this world for a number of weeks, there may be a part of me going, “I don’t need this to finish”.
‘I would like it to maintain going and proceed to push the boundaries and take a look at new issues and present what’s attainable for a double amputee dancing. I’m invested now, so I wouldn’t rule out doing the principle present sooner or later.’
Talking about showing on the Christmas particular final month, Billy admitted to his nerves at hundreds of thousands seeing him dance.
He stated: ‘I’m nonetheless figuring that one out of my head, however I am excited. It’s kind of of enjoyable.
And he defined how he’s doing Strictly in honour of one of many medics who helped him in his restoration, Tom Rowlands and his spouse Courtney
Billy received the BBC Sports activities Persona Helen Rollason Award and had a BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary made about his story (pictured at SPOTY on Tuesday)
Whereas he lately beat the world report for a double amputee within the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii – the hardest endurance occasion on this planet (pictured)
‘There’s a whole lot of studying however I am attempting not to consider the truth that will probably be out on nationwide TV on Christmas Day, and all my household will certainly be watching. I’ll be watching by my fingers.’
Billy received the BBC Sports activities Persona Helen Rollason Award and had a BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary made about his story.
He has additionally constructed a profession as a presenter and pundit on Channel 4’s protection of Components One and the Paralympics.
Whereas he lately beat the world report for a double amputee within the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii – the hardest endurance occasion on this planet.
Billy stated: ‘I’ve spent the final 12 months coaching 20 hours per week for an Ironman world report try, however the considered donning sequins in entrance of Craig Revel Horwood fills me with a worry I’ve by no means skilled earlier than.
‘That is about as removed from my consolation zone as it might get! My household are massive Strictly followers, so I am doing it for them and to lift consciousness for what I am doing for Comedian Reduction subsequent 12 months.’
Six {couples} will carry out a festive fuelled routine within the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Decide Shirley Ballas, and the voting studio viewers
Billy will go up in opposition to comedian Josh Widdicombe, presenter Vogue Williams , EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and drag queen Tayce within the particular
Spice Lady Emma Bunton will even carry out on the BBC1 present on Christmas Day which is airing at 3.55pm (pictured)
He quipped: ‘I am simply hoping my leg does not fall off mid-dance!’
Six {couples} will carry out a festive fuelled routine within the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Decide Shirley Ballas, and the voting studio viewers.
Billy will go up in opposition to comedian Josh Widdicombe, presenter Vogue Williams, EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and drag queen Tayce within the particular.
Spice Lady Emma Bunton will even carry out on the BBC1 present on Christmas Day which is airing at 3.55pm.