FRED-RINGER!
Boxing ace Nicola Adams taps into spirit of Astaire before Strictly bow
SHE might be more accustomed to boxing gloves and shorts.
But Nicola Adams looked equally at home in top hat and tails as she replicated the moves of Hollywood legend Fred Astaire.
The former Olympic gold medal-winning boxer was posing exclusively for the Mail as she prepares to become Strictly Come Dancing’s first contestant with a same-sex dance partner. Miss Adams, 37, who retired from the ring last year, said: ‘I’ve been asked to do Strictly every year since 2012 but it’s not been possible while I was always in training, so this year I was super excited to be able to take part.
‘I was even happier when the BBC agreed to me being a contestant in a way that felt most comfortable and natural to me.’
She added: ‘Up until now it almost hasn’t felt real. It’s something I’ve been planning for several months but putting on the top hat and tails and having fun in the studio trying to recreate some of Fred Astaire’s most memorable moves has brought home the reality of what lies ahead.’
Miss Adams, from Leeds, whose real-life partner is beauty blogger and stylist Ella Baig, is determined to go the full distance in the competition. ‘I’m not much of a dancer but I’m always dedicated to whatever I’m doing and I really want to win that glitterball trophy,’ she said.
‘Fred had an effortless charm and style and one of things I’m really looking forward to is dropping my guard and totally immersing myself in the performances.’
The show will be launched on October 17, with the first live broadcast a week later.