Jonnie in trial run for Strictly

HE was the big surprise when Strictly bosses unveiled their final line-up of contestants.

And the BBC was, rightly, quick to point out that Jonnie Peacock was the show’s first disabled contestant.

Now the sprinter says he has already met up with a professional dancer to try to tackle any potential problems due to his disability.

Ahead of the announcement, Strictly insiders said he had been teamed with pro dancer Sharna Burgess who has “knowledge of working with a disabled partner”.

The insider added: “She was able to offer him some insight and advice and shared her own experiences.”

Jonnie, whose right leg was amputated below the knee, spoke of the intensive session ahead of signing up to the show.

He told the BBC’S One Show: “A dancer came to check my movement on my leg to see what would be a restriction.

“She realised it was me that was the restriction, not the leg. So if you see me dance not so well I wouldn’t blame it on the leg.” Jonnie is a double Paralympic, World and European T44 100m champ. He won his first Paralympic gold in London 2012 and has gone on to win every major event he has entered.

Speaking after being unveiled, Jonnie said: “The opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability was too good to turn down. I’ve got no previous dance history outside of the occasional ‘worm’ at a mate’s party and this will be a challenge.”

I’ve got no previous dance history outside of the occasional ‘worm’ at a mate’s party