New Strictly signing Tom Dean’s mum reveals Olympian had dance lessons and ‘won Strictly-style show’ when he was younger
TEAM GB hero Tom Dean's mum has let slip his dance experience - in a "Strictly equivalent" competition - ahead of the swimmer's stint on the BBC series.
The Sun was first to reveal how the Paris 2024 Olympics Gold Medal winner, who triumphed in the 200m Freestyle Relay, would be taking to the dance floor in Strictly Come Dancing's 20th instalment.
Three-time Olympic champion Tom, 24, confirmed our story on-air before he was announced in Strictly's 2024 celebrity line up during a segment on Radio 1.
During the chat, Tom said on Radio 1: "Me and Jamie were just chatting about it and how much dance experience we've both got.
"I'm excited. It doesn't quite feel real. We've got some training coming so that'll help to make it sink more in."
Now his mum Jacquie Hughes, 61, has spoken out on said experience - and said he enjoyed dance competitions at school.
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She confirmed to PA he had reached the final of a "Strictly equivalent" dancing competition.
Yet, while recognising his talent, she added: "But I wouldn’t say he was John Travolta."
Giving an insight into his passion for dance she added: "Him and his brothers always choreograph a really funny dance for Christmas to show to me and his sisters, which is always hilarious, which they reveal on Christmas Day.
"But that’s just a bit of fun.
"I would say swimming was his natural talent, but he is very game."
DEAN DEAL
Her confession comes after Tom broke a huge show rule by admitting his spot before the official Strictly announcement.
He was then seen squirming in his seat as he was grilled about the slip-up on Capital Radio.
During last week's TV chat where he revealed his Strictly spot, Tom told how he would be following in the fancy footsteps of Team GB team-mate Adam Peaty.
The Staffordshire-based Gold Medal winner finished ninth on the BBC show in 2021, alongside professional dancer Katya Jones.
At the time, Tom said: "Naturally you want to take a break after you've had a full Olympic cycle and the opportunity arose.
Who's confirmed for Strictly 2024?
WITH Strictly's 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series:
- EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick.
- Athlete Tom Dean is is a three-time Olympic champion.
- X Factor winner and former Corrie star Shayne Ward.
- Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
- Gladiators star Montell Douglas AKA Fire.
- Football pundit Paul Merson.
- DIY SOS sat Nick Knowles.
- Olympic hero Sam Quek.
- Towie legend Pete Wicks.
- Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.
- Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan.
- 80s legend and singer Toyah Willcox.
- Opera singer Wynne Evans.
- JLS singer JB Gill.
- Comedian Chris McCausland.
"I thought it would be really exciting to try something a bit different.
"I'll be doing that and straight back into training after it. It's something to look forward to."
He continued: "I've not seen (Adam) yet. He did brilliantly on it so I'll be getting a few tips from him, for sure."
He added: "I don't do too well out of water in gravity sports.
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"I'm throwing myself into it and I know what a hard day's training is like so I'm looking forward to it. I guess we'll find out.
"It's something to look forward to and once I finish this, back home, relax a bit with the family and then we crack on end of August time. It's exciting."
