Paralympic table tennis champion Will Bayley insists his appearance on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing can help lift the profile of disability sport in the UK.

The 31-year-old has been partnered with Janette Manrara for the BBC reality show, and follows in the footsteps of fellow Paralympians Jonnie Peacock and Lauren Steadman in swapping elite sport for the dancehall.

Having watched the pair successfully showcase the capabilities of disabled athletes on prime-time television, Bayley insists he was determined to strengthen their legacy by donning his own dancing shoes.

“It’s such a massive show,” he said. “To perform in front of millions of people every Saturday is a great opportunity to promote the Paralympics and table tennis, so I’m really excited.

“I’m a Paralympian and I’m really proud of that. I want to show people how strong we are, how mentally tough we are, and also how talented we are.

“Since London 2012 we’ve seen the awareness and appreciation of disability sport increase massively, and I just want to help that continue by keeping it in the spotlight.

“I remember watching Jonnie Peacock on Strictly in 2017 and he did an awesome job. I never thought at that point I would ever be appearing on the show, but I’m really excited to show what I’ve got.”

Tunbridge Wells’ Bayley was born with arthrogryposis, a condition that affects all four of his limbs, and he admits he had never danced before being asked to audition for the programme.

While initially unsure of his ability to be competitive in unfamiliar surroundings, Bayley quickly built a rapport with his partner, who he had initially been paired with in his trial run.

And he explains he has started to prove his doubters wrong, including his table tennis team mates who have been greatly supportive in all areas except his dramatic wardrobe change.

He said: “I was really nervous going into the audition, but it went really well, and Janette was amazing. She’s an awesome coach, full of energy and life and we get on really well.

“When I first mentioned Strictly, all of my team mates thought I was going to struggle, but since then I’ve shown them a few videos of rehearsals and I’m slowly changing their minds.

“They’ve all been so nice and given me lots of confidence, but they’ve been absolutely laying into me for the makeup and fake tan!”

With Strictly’s weekly elimination process, Bayley knows his time on the show could end at any point and insists he is focused on making the most of the opportunity.

But for now, he is embracing his latest challenge and is excited to mix it with his fellow contestants on the Strictly stage.

He said: “I’m probably not the best dancer, but I’m definitely enjoying it as much as anyone else.

“It’s great fun and a privilege to be able to dance alongside a professional. I don’t know how long it’s going to last so I’m just going to give it 150 percent and leave it all out on the dancefloor, similar to how I try and perform in table tennis.”

  • Sainsbury’s is the longest-standing supporter of ParalympicsGB and a champion of inclusive sport for all. Sainsbury’s commitment to helping customers live well for less has been at the heart of what we do since 1869. For more information on Sainsbury’s commitment to inclusive sport visit https://www.about.sainsburys.co.uk/