Strictly’s Tony Adams admits that he ‘broke down’ after his rocky first live show
>
Tony Adams has revealed that he broke down after his first appearance on Strictly this year, which left him at the bottom of the standings.
The 55-year-old footballer, who has been sober from alcohol and drugs for 26 years after a battle with addiction, described it as a ‘miracle’ that he didn’t go to the pub to ‘drown my grief’.
But despite the rocky start, he and partner Katya Jones seem to have won the public’s affections after a packed dance last week and a successful American Smooth on Saturday’s show.
‘It’s a wonder I didn’t run to the pub and drown all that grief’: Strictly Tony Adams has admitted he ‘collapsed’ after his rocky first live show (pictured during the gig)
Tony previously told MailOnline that he entered the competition to show that ‘you can do anything when you are free from booze and drugs’ and shared his inspiring story.
and talk to The sun last week, the dancer-in-training admitted his struggles during the competition – he remembered ‘breaking down’ after his first performance, scoring 15 out of 30 judges’ points.
He shared, ‘When that first dance went like it went, in the car home, I go, ‘This is hard, what am I doing?’
Tough: And speaking to The Sun last week, the dancer-in-training admitted his struggles during the competition – he recalled ‘breaking down’ after his first performance, scoring 15 of the judges’ 30 points
Questions: He said, ‘When that first dance went like it went, in the car home, I go, ‘This is hard, what am I doing?’
“It’s a miracle I didn’t run to the pub and drown all that grief. It was painful. I cried a lot, but it was okay. You come out the other side,” he explained.
Tony continued his personal growth on the show, praising partner Katya for pushing him and “showing me how strong I am.”
Katya added that he finds the judges’ criticism harsh, saying, “Tony needs about 200 percent credit, which is not possible in this very intense learning process.”
Despite the emotional first week, Tony was inundated with fan support last week as he stripped down to just his shorts on the dance floor during a Full Monty routine.
Bringing Back: On Saturday, he and Katya Jones impressed the judges after winning the American Smooth . had danced
Support: On the show, you saw fellow soccer player David Seaman make a surprise appearance during rehearsals to support his friend
And to eventually win over judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse, Saturday’s performance saw him walk away with an impressive 26 out of 30 points.
Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘Better’, after conceding just two points last week and Motsi adding: ‘You were brilliant, well done.’
He was thrilled with the positive feedback from the judges following his and Katya’s impressive American Smooth routine on Joe Cocker’s With A Little Help From My Friends.
But host Claudia Winkleman had to apologize Saturday night after the former footballer accidentally swore live during the broadcast.
Tony seemed a little carried away when he dropped a swear word, with host Claudia quickly apologizing to fans for the “fruity language” used.
Over the Moon: Tony was blown away by the comments as he and Katya hit their highest score to date, at 26 points
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
While Claudia discussed his mistake as he went up for his scores, the Arsenal legend remarked: ‘Oh I’m sorry!’ when he realized what he had done, adding that he was so excited by his comments.
He previously opened up about his battle with addiction before going on the show, telling MailOnline: “I’m 26 years old without alcohol or drugs, so I want to bring some awareness about mental health into 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.’
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.
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.”
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 footballer 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 boots.”
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.”
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!’
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.”
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”