Adam Thomas revealed his ‘excruciating’ diagnosis ahead of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 (Picture: PA)
Adam Thomas is working hard to get his rheumatoid arthritis ’under control.’
The Strictly Come Dancing star revealed at the start of the series that he had been diagnosed with the disease, which is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that can impact movement and affect his training.
However, the Waterloo Road actor, 35, is determined to not let it stand in his way.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Adam – who is paired with Luba Mushtuk, 33, this series – explained how the Strictly crew have been supporting him.
‘I’m managing alright,’ he began in his update.
‘The team here at the BBC are putting me in touch with the right specialists, doctors, getting it all under control and doing the right physio.
Adama and Russian pro partner Luba Mushtuk are powering through (Picture: PA)
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake.
The main symptoms are joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It may also cause more general symptoms and inflammation in other parts of the body.
‘But we’re coping with it. It’s been tough, but I do think the dancing and getting out there and training every day is helping. Before this, I wasn’t really active because I was in so much pain, but I haven’t got any excuses now! I’ve gotta get up and dance.
‘There are good days and bad days, with arthritis, you just never know when the flare-ups will happen, but we’re getting through it.’
Adam also spoke about his struggles with nerves, having documented a ‘full-on anxiety attack’ previously heading into the live shows.
The former Emmerdale star said: ‘It’s something I’m trying to get over, really. Every week, the anxiety just gets hold of me.
‘I’ve never really been nervous before this but, as an actor, I’ve never performed or been on stage in front of a live audience, and it’s tough, it’s challenging. You’re going out there every week, doing something you’ve never done before so it is gonna be nerve-wracking.
‘I put on my Instagram Story that I was going through this and so many people got in touch. It just means a lot that they’re taking the time out to write to me and give me advice.’
The former Emmerdale star has admitted his struggles with nerves ahead of the live shows each weekend (Picture: PA)
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On the tips he’s had, Adam laughed: ‘The main tip is just to imagine everyone’s naked, that’s what everyone keeps telling me! I don’t know if that’s the best route to take!’
Pro Luba argued it’s ‘probably not’ the most ideal approach when on the dancefloor!
‘Every week I do think I’m getting better and it’s just about finding my own way of handling it,’ Adam added.
‘It all comes with experience,’ said Luba.
Despite his nerves, Adam has insisted that the buzz he gets after finishing a performance is ‘the best feeling in the world’, especially when he has family in the audience cheering him on.
Speaking of family, Adam’s brother Ryan Thomas, 39, has been spotted in the crowd – could he be picking up some tips ahead of his Dancing On Ice stint in 2024?
Adam and Ryan Thomas are now locked in competition ahead of his older brother’s Dancing On Ice stint (Picture: Instagram)
The former Coronation Street star ‘definitely’ wants to beat his younger sibling, Adam joked, saying they are firmly locked in competition to see who can do better in their dance reality show.
‘It’s added pressure, I’ve gotta do well! I was just doing it for me when I first started, now I just want to do my best because I know he’ll be amazing on Dancing On Ice so I’ve gotta step up my game now because I don’t want him coming back saying, “Haha I beat you!”
‘I’ve definitely gotta put more work in now, but it’s amazing that we’re both doing dance shows, although he’s definitely got his work cut out, it’s a tough one!’
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and iPlayer.
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‘There are good days and bad days,’ he said.