Strictly fans convinced they have worked out first contestant for next year’s series after ‘clue’ he could get to final
STRICTLY fans reckon they’ve worked out next year’s first contestant.
British sportsman Mark Cavendish retired from professional cycling last week – and fans think he’s being lined up the BBC show.
The 39-year-old could have an advantage because of childhood dance lessons.
Mark’s mother, Adele, revealed she took him to classes when he was seven years old at Madigan’s Dance School where he grew up on the Isle of Man.
He trained for nine years and was ‘fabulous” at his favourite dances, Latin American, jive and rumba.
His former teacher, Janice Madigan, said: “Mark just took to dancing.
“He is very competitive, very enthusiastic and always wanted to be the best. He always tried very hard at what he did.
“As a dancer he was fabulous. He has got stamina, very fast feet and strong legs. Before any competition he would know he was going out to win.”
“Previous training, be damned. He’s our only shot at getting a male sportbod back in the final,” said one fan.
Another added: “Imagine the 10s he’d get.”
The cyclist called time on his legendary career with a stunning victory at the Singapore Criterium at the weekend.
Announcing his retirement before the race, Mark wrote in a statement: “Sunday will be the final race of my professional cycling career.
“I am lucky enough to have done what I love for almost 20 years and I can now say that I have achieved everything that I can on the bike.
“Cycling has given me so much and I love the sport, I’ve always wanted to make a difference in it and now I am ready to see what the next chapter has in store for me.
“Thank you, everyone, for all the support, always.”