Huge Strictly update as show lines up Loose Women star as first contestant for 2023 – and it would be an historic move
STRICTLY bosses want Loose Women star Sophie Morgan to be their first-ever wheelchair contestant.
The glamorous presenter, 38, is paralysed from the chest down after a car crash at 18.
A source said: “She is the ideal star to take on the role.
“Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes.
“She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity.
“It’s still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months.”
It comes after EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, 28, became Strictly’s first deaf contestant, winning the Glitterball Trophy in 2021.
Former Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, also 28, proved a success on last year’s series.
The source went on: “Producers have seen the effect Rose and Ellie had on the show and believe Sophie would be the perfect fit.
“Strictly is fast becoming one of the most progressive shows on television and every year they’re pushing the boundaries with diversity and inclusion.”
Strictly featured a group routine in 2018 where the pros performed with wheelchair-users who spun around and were lifted in the air.
And in 2010 BBC3’s Dancing on Wheels saw six couples — including Diana Morgan-Hill and swimmer Mark Foster — competing to enter the Wheelchair Dance Sport European Championships.
Sophie, who is dating acupuncturist Tom Robinson, has worked in TV for nearly 20 years.
She was the host of Channel 4’s Crufts last year and in 2021 was a lead presenter of Channel 4’s coverage of the Summer Paralympics in Tokyo.
Off camera she has been “sit-skiing” in an adapted chair on the slopes in Europe and North America.
She also recently launched her “RightsOnFlights” campaign after she was left on an empty plane for hours.
Disabled ballerina Kate Stanforth, 28, backed having a wheelchair-user on this year’s Strictly — but was left angered by viewers who opposed it online.
She tweeted: “Just a note from me, if you’re in a wheelchair, you can f*****n dance.
“You’re just as worthy as anyone else to do whatever you want to do.”