Former Perthshire schoolboy takes up Strictly challenge
A former Perthshire schoolboy is hoping to dance his way to glory this winter.
TV presenter JJ Chalmers, who was a pupil at Strathallan, was yesterday named as the eighth contestant in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Royal Marine Commando and Invictus Games athlete joins the likes of Caroline Quentin, Max George, Nicola Adams and Bill Bailey in hoping to take home the prestigious GlitterballTrophy.
JJ said: “My whole life is defined by facing challenges.
“Whether it’s becoming a Royal Marine Commando, recovering from my injuries sustained in Afghanistan to competing in The Invictus Games.
“Now as a TV presenter I’m lucky enough to witness some of the greatest sporting contests in the world. Strictly is a whole different ball game in respect to the challenges I will face but I’m up for an adventure and at least my mum will know where I am.”
JJ’s career in the Royal Marines was cut short after he suffered life-changing injuries following an IED explosion in Afghanistan.
After years of rehabilitation, he went on to compete in the 2014 Invictus Games where he captained the trike cycling team and took home three medals.
JJ, who counts Prince Harry among his pals after they served together, was spokesperson for the inaugural Invictus Games and then embarked on a broadcasting career.
He was a studio presenter for the 2016 Rio Paralympics and has anchored BBC One’s coverage of the Invictus Games since 2017.
With BBC Sport he has presented the Commonwealth Games and London Marathon. He also commentates on The Lord Mayor’s Show and was involved in the D-Day Memorial programming, as well as appearing on The One Show, BBC Breakfast, Getaways, The People Remember and Radio 5 Live’s From Helmand and Back.