A FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star has confirmed he has been forced to turn down a spot on Dancing on Ice amid concerns for his safety.
Invictus Games medallist and TV host JJ Chalmers wowed on the BBC dancefloor in 2020 – years before the contest became engulfed in crisis.
However, the star has admitted he won’t be appearing on its ITV rival after his surgeon told him it was a hard “no” to a stint on Dancing on Ice despite getting the offer to take part.
JJ was left with a disability after being injured in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2011 which saw him lose two fingers as well as a disintegrated elbow.
It meant that any chance of appearing on the ice-skating show has been scuppered as a result of safety concerns.
JJ exclusively told The Sun at Channel 4‘s recent launch event for this year’s Paralympic Games: “I have had the call from Dancing on Ice a few years ago and, obviously, with the disability that I carry I remember phoning my surgeon about doing Strictly.
“She said, ‘yeah, yeah, I reckon we can figure that one out,’ but for the Dancing on Ice call it is a ‘no’.”
He continued: “So, I’ve had to say no to that one as I’m fragile!”
Other stars who have been able to take part in the skating show whilst having disabilities include blind Paralympian Libby Clegg who reached the final of the contest as well as Heather Mills who has one of her legs amputated.
Elsewhere, the star, who is part of this year’s leading line-up for Channel 4’s coverage of the Paralympic Games in Paris, opened up on the ‘real reason’ he decided to sign up to Strictly back in 2020.
On the programme, he danced alongside pro Amy Dowden but was axed in the quarter-finals after losing the dance-off to Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing.
JJ told The Sun: “I’ve been offered many reality shows but the reason I decided to do Strictly was to push me out of my comfort zone in a big way.
“Also, you learn a skill! There are other reality shows out there where you wouldn’t necessarily learn something.
“If somebody says to you ‘do you wanna learn to be a dancer from one of the best dancers in the world’, why would you say no to that.”
He then added: “So if someone else came along with a reality show about trying to learn something new and it really challenges you and you can walk away going ‘I gave it my best craic’, that’s what I am kind of about.”
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
