Strictly inspirational!

Acid attack survivor Katie to take part ten years on from horror

THIS year’s Strictly Come Dancing will star Katie Piper – the acid attack victim turned campaigner – it was revealed yesterday.

The 34-year- old was horrifically injured when the liquid was thrown in her face in 2008 in the assault instigated by her former partner.

The former model was left partially blind with severe scarring to her face, chest, neck, arm and hands.

She has undergone more than 250 operations and set up the Katie Piper Foundation to help other survivors.

Miss Piper was unveiled as a contestant for the 16th series of the hit dancing contest when she appeared on BBC Breakfast yesterday.

‘It gives a wider message that my past and the way I look is irrelevant and I’m able to go forward and do these things,’ she said. ‘That’s something I’m really

‘My past and the way I look is irrelevant’

proud of. From a personal point of view, it’s so refreshing to be doing something so light-hearted and just so fun.’

The mother-of-two said she would like to be partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice but warned that she has no natural rhythm.

‘I’ve faced challenges in my life before so I’m going to try and apply the psychological mindset to it,’ she said.

‘Whatever happens to me on Strictly, I hope to come away with a different type of confidence in a different area of my life and I would have learned something new.

‘Even if I don’t last long, I will come away knowing something I didn’t before and that’s a bonus.’

Miss Piper admitted that keeping her participation a secret was difficult. ‘The only person I told was my husband, through text, and he thought I was joking,’ she said.

Cricket commentator and former England bowler Graeme Swann is also said to be joining this year’s line-up. Others who will be vying for the glitter ball trophy include Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts, radio host Vick Hope, Steps star Faye Tozer and broadcaster Kate Silverton.

The identity of the remaining contestants will be revealed over the coming days.

Miss Piper said she had not been told who else was competing and had not been able to use her name when arriving for costume fittings. She said: ‘When there are leaks I’m like “Oh wow, I wonder if they’re in it?” When I ask, I’m not allowed to know. No- one will confirm any speculation.

‘It’s so secretive and when you turn up to the reception, you can’t say what you’re here for and why.

‘I couldn’t even use my own name for months. I had a code name – Brie. Everyone was cheese. Brie is not too smelly, is it?’

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC1 in the autumn.