Katie Piper reveals how her acid attack injuries are affecting her Strictly Come Dancing training
She was attacked with sulphuric acid 10 years ago
Katie Piper
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 20th Aug 2018 Last updated 20th Aug 2018
Last week TV personality Katie Piper was the first confirmed contestant for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 34-year-old appeared on BBC breakfast to confirm the news and admitted it was difficult to keep it a secret. She explained, "For me it's really out of my comfort zone and it's not something I've ever done before. The only person I'd told was my husband, over text, and he thought I was joking and I was like, 'No I'm being serious!'"
However, the Bodyshockers presenter has now revealed that she is finding training difficult because of her injuries suffered from an acid attack a decade ago. Speaking to the Mirror before she started training she said, "The respiratory problem makes training a bit harder," going on to explain, "I tried to practise some steps and can't really move my head back because of a band of scar tissue that starts at the top of my head."
Katie also said she was slightly anxious about how viewers would see her performances saying, "Everyone will be like, 'Why's she pulling that funny face?' and I'll be like, 'No, that's my face!'"
The TV presenter, who was partially blinded as a result of the attack, then went on to say, "It will be hard with my eyesight. If you cover one eye and think you can't see your peripheral, that is harder with dancing, steps and anticipating your partner. I'm like an elephant with no rhythm. When I was practising, I was stamping on feet and banging into people."
Katie was attacked with sulphuric acid 10 years ago and suffered substantial burns on her body as well as being left partially blind. Immediately after the attack Katie was placed in an induced coma for 12 days and received many skin grafts.
Since the announcement that Katie would take part in Strictly Come Dancing, several other celebrities have also been confirmed to join the line-up, including Steps member Faye Tozer, TV newsreader Kate Silverton and former Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts.
See who else is in the Strictly Come Dancing line-up below...
Katie Piper
Katie Piper has been the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2018! Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and model said, "Thank you so much, it's been so hard to keep it secret!" before adding that she's struggled not to tell her friends who have invited her to events later in the year. The only person I told is my husband through text message and he thought I was joking!" she laughed, adding, "I don't have that natural rhythm but I like the fact there's a challenge."
Katie Piper reveals how her acid attack injuries are affecting her Strictly Come Dancing training
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Susannah Constantine
Fashion expert Susannah Constantine is the final signing for Strictly this year! She confirmed her appearance with Charles Venn on GMB, saying, "I hope to prove pigs can fly (dance). I'm sick with nerves and jangling with excitement."
Katie Piper
Katie Piper has been the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2018! Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and model said, "Thank you so much, it's been so hard to keep it secret!" before adding that she's struggled not to tell her friends who have invited her to events later in the year. The only person I told is my husband through text message and he thought I was joking!" she laughed, adding, "I don't have that natural rhythm but I like the fact there's a challenge."
Danny John-Jules
Confirming his appearance alongside Faye Tozer on The One Show, actor Danny John-Jules of Red Dwarf fame revealed that he'd once danced with George Michael, saying, "I ended up kind of choreographing a bit of stuff for George," before adding that he's never done ballroom or Latin dancing.
Faye Tozer
Faye Tozer of 90s pop group Steps has signed up for the show! Announcing her appearance in an interview on The One Show on 13th August, Faye revealed that although she has danced before in her career with Steps, she doesn't "have any ballroom experience." She added, "Being on Strictly is literally a dream come true! It's everything my nine-year-old self ever wanted from showbiz and I'm going to relish every moment!"
Joe Sugg
YouTube star and brother of vlogger Zoella, Joe Sugg was announced via the Strictly Twitter page. He said, "My knowledge of dance isn't the best, so I'm just going to go into it completely open-minded. I'm honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year! Not going to lie, I'm very nervous about it, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about I guess."
Vick Hope
Radio presenter Vick Hope has been announced as the fifth contestant for Strictly 2018! She said, "Honestly it's really surreal, this is a huge show, isn't it? It's crazy. I used to do contemporary dance, I'd pretend to be a tree or a rock, I don't know how helpful that's going to be."
Graeme Swann
England cricket legend Graeme Swann has announced he would be joining Strictly in the autumn! Speaking in a radio interview, Graeme said it had been nearly impossible to keep the secret from his kids, "They are huge fans of the show and I can't wait to see their faces when I tell them. I don't have any background in dancing but can do the floss so let's hope this comes in useful! I spent my career enjoying the excitement of performing in front of crowds and cameras. It's a bizarre pressure that makes you sink or swim and I've missed it since having to retire from cricket."
Dr Ranj Singh
This Morning's resident medical expert Dr Ranj Singh has confirmed him appearance on the next series of Strictly! The presenter said, "I'm so sore at the moment, I've been going to the gym to try and get fitter and everything hurts. My friends would describe me as a cross between dad dancing and go-go dancing. I do like to dance, I do it for fun, I've never had any training or anything. I'm super excited. I really want to learn how to dance properly."
Stacey Dooley MBE
Investigative journalist Stacey Dooley has been announced as the next contestant! Stacey said in a statement on the Strictly Twitter account, 'It's happening! I'm taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year and my mother is going to explode. 2018 has already been such an incredible year for me. I've done some amazing things and I'm excited to add 'becoming a dancing GENIUS' to the list. Typically, work for me is very serious and can be quite hard core so I'm going to soak up the escapism and bathe in sequins. See you on the dancefloor!'
Ashley Roberts
Former Pussycat Dolls member Ashley Roberts has been announced as a contestant in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. When the announcement was made the singer tweeted, 'So... the pussycat's out the bag!! Ahhh sooo beyond excited for this adventure!!! CANT WAIT!!'
Kate Silverton
Newsreader Kate Silverton has been confirmed as one of the contestants on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The 48-year-old apparently has size nine feet and said the producers have ordered 'special shoes' for her because none of the Strictly ones fit her.
Seann Walsh
Comedian Seann Walsh will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Speaking about his involvement with the show he said, "It's just something that I and no one I know would expect me to do. Everyone looks like they're having so much fun on it. It makes me laugh every time I imagine doing it."
Lee Ryan
Blue singer and former EastEnders actor Lee Ryan was the 12th celebrity announced for the 2018 series. He said, "I was nervous, even to say yes. I used to run out of my dance lessons, I used to hide in the singing lessons. That's why I can sing and not dance."
Lauren Steadman
Paralympian Lauren Steadman confirmed her appearance for Strictly 2018 on The One Show. She said, "I still don't think it has properly sunk in that I'm actually going to be part of this year's Strictly! I have loved the show since I was young, and it's a huge thing to tick off my bucket list. I'm more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month!
"I'm more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month! But I'm up for the challenge and excited to swap my triathlon kit for dancing shoes and sequins."
Charles Venn
EastEnders and Casualty actor Charles Venn confirmed he would be participating on Good Morning Britain with Susannah Constantine. He said, "It truly is a pleasure to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, to be associated with a show that has such a huge following excites and scares me in equal measure! Dancing on Strictly is going to be quite a challenge but life's all about testing yourself so there's lots to look forward to, let the games begin!"
Susannah Constantine
Fashion expert Susannah Constantine is the final signing for Strictly this year! She confirmed her appearance with Charles Venn on GMB, saying, "I hope to prove pigs can fly (dance). I'm sick with nerves and jangling with excitement."
Katie Piper
Katie Piper has been the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2018! Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the TV presenter and model said, "Thank you so much, it's been so hard to keep it secret!" before adding that she's struggled not to tell her friends who have invited her to events later in the year. The only person I told is my husband through text message and he thought I was joking!" she laughed, adding, "I don't have that natural rhythm but I like the fact there's a challenge."
Danny John-Jules
Confirming his appearance alongside Faye Tozer on The One Show, actor Danny John-Jules of Red Dwarf fame revealed that he'd once danced with George Michael, saying, "I ended up kind of choreographing a bit of stuff for George," before adding that he's never done ballroom or Latin dancing.
Faye Tozer
Faye Tozer of 90s pop group Steps has signed up for the show! Announcing her appearance in an interview on The One Show on 13th August, Faye revealed that although she has danced before in her career with Steps, she doesn't "have any ballroom experience." She added, "Being on Strictly is literally a dream come true! It's everything my nine-year-old self ever wanted from showbiz and I'm going to relish every moment!"
Joe Sugg
YouTube star and brother of vlogger Zoella, Joe Sugg was announced via the Strictly Twitter page. He said, "My knowledge of dance isn't the best, so I'm just going to go into it completely open-minded. I'm honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year! Not going to lie, I'm very nervous about it, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about I guess."
Vick Hope
Radio presenter Vick Hope has been announced as the fifth contestant for Strictly 2018! She said, "Honestly it's really surreal, this is a huge show, isn't it? It's crazy. I used to do contemporary dance, I'd pretend to be a tree or a rock, I don't know how helpful that's going to be."
Graeme Swann
England cricket legend Graeme Swann has announced he would be joining Strictly in the autumn! Speaking in a radio interview, Graeme said it had been nearly impossible to keep the secret from his kids, "They are huge fans of the show and I can't wait to see their faces when I tell them. I don't have any background in dancing but can do the floss so let's hope this comes in useful! I spent my career enjoying the excitement of performing in front of crowds and cameras. It's a bizarre pressure that makes you sink or swim and I've missed it since having to retire from cricket."
Dr Ranj Singh
This Morning's resident medical expert Dr Ranj Singh has confirmed him appearance on the next series of Strictly! The presenter said, "I'm so sore at the moment, I've been going to the gym to try and get fitter and everything hurts. My friends would describe me as a cross between dad dancing and go-go dancing. I do like to dance, I do it for fun, I've never had any training or anything. I'm super excited. I really want to learn how to dance properly."
Stacey Dooley MBE
Investigative journalist Stacey Dooley has been announced as the next contestant! Stacey said in a statement on the Strictly Twitter account, 'It's happening! I'm taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year and my mother is going to explode. 2018 has already been such an incredible year for me. I've done some amazing things and I'm excited to add 'becoming a dancing GENIUS' to the list. Typically, work for me is very serious and can be quite hard core so I'm going to soak up the escapism and bathe in sequins. See you on the dancefloor!'
Ashley Roberts
Former Pussycat Dolls member Ashley Roberts has been announced as a contestant in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. When the announcement was made the singer tweeted, 'So... the pussycat's out the bag!! Ahhh sooo beyond excited for this adventure!!! CANT WAIT!!'
Kate Silverton
Newsreader Kate Silverton has been confirmed as one of the contestants on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The 48-year-old apparently has size nine feet and said the producers have ordered 'special shoes' for her because none of the Strictly ones fit her.
Seann Walsh
Comedian Seann Walsh will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Speaking about his involvement with the show he said, "It's just something that I and no one I know would expect me to do. Everyone looks like they're having so much fun on it. It makes me laugh every time I imagine doing it."
Lee Ryan
Blue singer and former EastEnders actor Lee Ryan was the 12th celebrity announced for the 2018 series. He said, "I was nervous, even to say yes. I used to run out of my dance lessons, I used to hide in the singing lessons. That's why I can sing and not dance."
Lauren Steadman
Paralympian Lauren Steadman confirmed her appearance for Strictly 2018 on The One Show. She said, "I still don't think it has properly sunk in that I'm actually going to be part of this year's Strictly! I have loved the show since I was young, and it's a huge thing to tick off my bucket list. I'm more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month!
"I'm more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month! But I'm up for the challenge and excited to swap my triathlon kit for dancing shoes and sequins."
Charles Venn
EastEnders and Casualty actor Charles Venn confirmed he would be participating on Good Morning Britain with Susannah Constantine. He said, "It truly is a pleasure to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, to be associated with a show that has such a huge following excites and scares me in equal measure! Dancing on Strictly is going to be quite a challenge but life's all about testing yourself so there's lots to look forward to, let the games begin!"
Susannah Constantine
Fashion expert Susannah Constantine is the final signing for Strictly this year! She confirmed her appearance with Charles Venn on GMB, saying, "I hope to prove pigs can fly (dance). I'm sick with nerves and jangling with excitement."
According to reports, filming for the official launch show is scheduled for Friday 31st August, where all of this year's cast will meet their celebrity partners. However, this show will not be shown live and will air at a later date.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One this autumn.
