Strictly’s James Cracknell Says His Dancing Dreams Were Almost Dashed After Bike Accident

The gold medalist – who was left with a brain injury after an accident on his bike in 2010 – added: “And that’s the important thing to remember cycling, or riding a motorbike or driving around town; it’s OK if you concentrate on what you are doing and are absolutely focused.

“I now have switched my focus [from] riding a bike, and in fact doing anything else, to learning how to dance and, to be honest I’ve got more chance of winning the Tour de France than Strictly Come Dancing. But in for a penny…”

James was left with a fractured skull after a near-fatal road accident in Arizona, while attempting to cycle, row, run and swim from Los Angeles to New York in record time.

His injury left him with epilepsy, as well as changes to his personality, and he has since been a huge advocate for wearing cycling helmets.

Also joining him on Strictly this year will be comedian Chris Ramsey, YouTube vlogger Saffron Barker former footballers David James and Alex Scott.

Check out the full line-up below…