Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock from Shepreth set for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing

Shepreth sprinter Jonnie Peacock has been chosen as a contestant on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, making him the first competitor with a physical disability to take part.

The double Paralympic, World and European T44 100m Champion was the penultimate contestant to be unveiled last night – and will join the likes of Debbie McGee, Aston Merrygold from boyband JLS, chef Simon Rimmer, TV presenter Ruth Langsford and more on the hit BBC One show.

Jonnie told the BBC: “The opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability to take part in Strictly’s main show was too good to turn down.

“I’ve got no previous dance history outside of the occasional ‘worm’ at a mate’s party and I know this will be a challenge and a new experience.

“I can’t wait to see what I can achieve and how far I can push myself.”

The 24-year-old had an amputation below the knee of his right leg after contracting meningitis when he was five years old.

He won his first Paralympic gold at London 2012 in the 100m T44 final with a time of 10.90 seconds, claiming the gold and the Paralympic record.

At the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, Peacock successfully defended his title – with a time of 10.81 seconds.

The offical start date for Strictly Come Dancing 2017 hasn’t been announced, but it is understood to be at the end of September.