Strictly’s Tony Adams details his battle with addiction as he marks 26 years sober
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‘You can do anything when you’re free from booze and drugs’: Striktly’s Tony Adams talks about his battle with addiction while sober for 26 years
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Tony Adams has reflected on his battle with addiction while sobering up from alcohol and drugs for 26 years.
The 55-year-old football legend will star in the new season of Strictly Come Dancing – aiming to raise awareness of mental health during his stint on the show.
And chatting with MailOnline and other outlets, the former England manager admitted he hopes to show ‘you can do anything when you’re free from addiction’.
‘You can do anything when you’re free from booze and drugs’: Tony Adams, 55, detailed his battle with addiction while sober for 26 years
After turning down the show six years ago when approached before finally signing up for this year’s 20th series, the sportsman hopes to share his mental health journey on the show.
Tony explained: ‘I’m 26 years old without alcohol or drugs, so I want to bring some mental health awareness around life and what I’m doing today.
“I have a business and charities, and we use dance therapy at rehab. It’s good for the mind, so I thought I’d go for it.’
Tony explained: ‘I’m 26 years old without alcohol or drugs so I want to bring some mental health awareness around life and what I’m doing today
Sportsman: The former footballer rose to fame playing for Arsenal and England, before coaching both teams – before entrusting his hand to charity work and addiction treatment
Though he’s been sober for nearly three decades, Tony also spoke candidly about a new work addiction he suffered when he was 49.
He said: ‘I had a nervous breakdown when I was 49, my new addiction was working too hard and with the stress I had a heart condition. So I decided to take it easy – after Strictly.
‘You can do anything when you’re free from addiction, that’s my message I want to pass on’, the budding dancer concluded.
Tony originally declined Strictly because of his football career, although he admitted that the show offered him a decent amount of money.
“One of the main reasons I turned down opportunities to go on Strictly Come Dancing, despite the money being offered was good, was because I was concerned that I wouldn’t be taken seriously as a football coach after that,” he told The Mirror.
The former footballer rose to fame playing for Arsenal and England, before coaching both teams – before turning his hand to charity work and addiction treatment.
Tony is now heading to the ballroom along with 14 other famous faces – including Kaye Adams, Kym Marsh and Matt Goss.
Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC One on Saturday 17 September.
STRICTLY COME DANCE 2022: WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so glad they have this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m leaving home in my pajamas watching actual dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.”
RICHIE ANDERSON
Age: 34
Profession: radio host
Richie says: ‘This is a dream come true! I can’t wait to get into those glitters and sequins and swing across the most famous dance floor in the world!’
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: former athlete
Ellie says: “Being asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: radio dj
Tyler says: “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a sequin side.”
ELLIE TAYLORO
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m over the moon to be part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Age: 55
Profession: Retired football player and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the temptation of the sequins and the call of the salsa makes me swap my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly Soft ones.”
JAMES SPORTS
Age: 38
Profession: EastEnders actor
James says: “I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkling toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing, but it’s an honor to be asked and I’m going to do my best.”
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio channel
Helen says: ‘I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started”
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: “I know it will be a huge challenge, but that’s what life is all about. This is also my mom’s favorite show and she’s been through some rough years, so I’m doing this for her too. Bring it on!’
KAYE ADAMS
Age: 59
Profession: Television host
Kaye says: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can’t think of a better way to do that than show the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’
JAYDE ADAMS
Age: 37
Profession: Comedian
Jayde says, “I’ve been a huge fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m looking at myself in a dream and I can’t believe I manifested this.’
MAT GOSS
Age: 53
Profession: Singer
Matt says: “I’m retired, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’
MOLLY RAINFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Mollie says: “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.”
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
fleur says: “I’m just as nervous and excited to be part of this year’s Strictly lineup. I’m excited to learn new skills and want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Professionaln: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
hamza says: “I’m over the moon to participate in Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.”