Montell Douglas, who graduated from Brunel University London in 2008 with a BSc in Sports Science, is one of the celebrity contestants confirmed by the BBC for their brand-new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The sporty Londoner competed in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and held the British woman's record for the fastest 100m sprint. By 2018, she had barrelled into the bobsleigh team for PyeongChang – thus becoming the first British woman selected to compete in different sports at both the summer and winter Olympic Games.
In 2023 she was unveiled as Fire in the BBC One series of Gladiators, bringing her athleticism and competitiveness to prime-time TV.
It was on the set of Gladiators filming, at the Sheffield Utilita Arena, that the news of Montell's Strictly confirmation was revealed, and her bespoke Roblox character was also revealed on the platform on BBC Wonder Chase.
Image: BBC
In a statement released by the BBC last Friday, Montell said: “Strictly, ARE YOU READY? Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow, I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”
The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this Autumn. As Strictly celebrates two spectacular decades of dance, this series promises to be extra-special with even more glitz, glamour and unforgettable performances.
Find out more about the Sports Science undergraduate courses here at Brunel University London
Reported by:
Joe Buchanunn,
Media Relations
+44 (0)1895 268821
joe.buchanunn@brunel.ac.uk