Strictly Come Dancing’s Nadiya Bychkova has revealed Larry Lamb has been unable to walk after a secret health battle in recent years.
The professional dancer, 33, has been paired with the EastEnders actor, 75, for the upcoming Christmas special as six contestants prepare to hit the dance floor.
Speaking about the rehearsals, Nadiya said it was “challenging” as she revealed Larry was unable to walk a few years ago due to a series of health issues.
Struggles: Strictly Come Dancing Nadiya Bychkova has revealed Larry Lamb was unable to walk after a secret health battle a few years ago
She told The Sun: “It’s incredible that he will be dancing.
“It’s quite a challenge because a couple of years ago he couldn’t walk because of some health issues and some surgeries.
“It’s not really my thing to say, but dancing for him now, it’s exciting.”
Nadiya gushed about Larry, who will be Strictly’s oldest-ever male contestant, being a “legend” and said she was very excited to hit the dance floor with him.
Difficulties: Speaking about the rehearsals, Nadiya admitted it was “quite a challenge” when she revealed Larry was unable to walk a few years ago due to health problems
Speaking about her own health, Nadiya said she wants to dance for as long as she is “physically fit” before considering the next step in her career.
Web has reached out to Larry’s rep for comment.
Larry has previously spoken of suffering from “creaks and groans” in his knees and back pain.
In 2014, he told the Chron that he had spent a decade doing abdominal cramps for half an hour every day to ensure his core was taught to relieve any strain on his back.
Stars: The professional dancer, 33, has been paired with the EastEnders actor, 75, for the upcoming Christmas special as six new contestants prepare to take the stage
But after suffering stitches and burning sensations in his knees and hips, he turned to GOPO, a supplement containing a unique part of a rosehip that helps fight joint pain.
The supplement also contains high levels of vitamin C, which is believed to boost the immune system and help the body create collagen, which supports joints.
At the time, the Gavin and Stacey star told Web: “It changed my life. I have to say it’s just amazing.”
Now Larry will hit the dance floor for the highly anticipated upcoming Strictly Christmas Special, which airs December 25th.
Nervous: Speaking about joining the line-up, Larry recently admitted he was “incredibly nervous” about hitting the dance floor
Speaking about joining the line-up, Larry recently admitted he was “incredibly nervous” about hitting the dance floor.
He said, “Christmas has come early! I can’t wait to hit the dance floor and learn a brand new skill ready for all those festive parties.
“I’m excited but incredibly nervous but I know Nadiya will be taking care of me and I’m looking forward to adding a little bit of sparkle to Christmas Day.”
Legendary: Larry has starred in numerous hit TV series and has played iconic roles such as Mick Shipman (pictured) in ‘Gavin and Stacey’ and Archie Mitchell in ‘EastEnders’
He will face off against Rosie Ramsey, Rickie Haywood-Williams, Alexandra Mardell, Nicola Roberts and George Webster to be crowned the 2022 Christmas Champion.
Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas-inspired routine hoping to impress judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas and the audience.
The Christmas special Strictly Come Dancing will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
STRICTLY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2022: WHO ARE THE STARS?
ROSIE RAMSEY
AGE: 35
PROFESSION: Podcast host
ROSIE SAYS: “After watching my husband Chris compete a few years ago, I was dying to hit the dance floor myself.”
ALEXANDRA MARDELL
AGE: 29
PROFESSION: Actress
ALEXANDRA SAYS, “I can’t wait to get into the workout room and see what celebratory moves I can bring to the table!”
Nicholas Roberts
AGE: 37
PROFESSION: Singer
NICOLA SAYS: “They promised me extra glitter, sparkles and frosting all wrapped together with a big bow on top!”
RICKIE HAYWOOD-WILLIAMS
AGE: 42
PROFESSION: Radio DJ
RICKIE SAYS: “I always said I was too scared of it. But here I am ready to try, sequins and all
LARRY LAMB
AGE: 75
PROFESSION: Actor
LARRY SAYS: “Christmas has come early! I can’t wait to hit the dance floor and learn a brand new skill ready for all those festive parties.
GEORGE WEBSTER
AGE: 22
PROFESSION: CBeebies presenter
GEORGE SAYS: “I love Strictly and have watched it every year. It’s always been my dream to be on the show for a year and I’m so excited to be a part of this year’s Christmas special!