Strictly star Adam Thomas opens up about overcoming debilitating illness to take part in show
STRICTLY star Adam Thomas has revealed his kids are such big fans of the show they dress up in sparkly costumes to watch him perform on Saturdays.
The Waterloo Road actor, 35, says Teddy, nine, and Elsie, five, are his No1 supporters — and have high hopes he’ll win the glitterball trophy.
Adam, who is partnered with Russian pro Luba Mushtuk, 33, said: “They’ve got the glitterballs, the paddles, the costumes.
“Every dance we do, they’re always dressing up.
“The problem is now they want me to win. And I’m like, ‘You guys, you’re putting a lot of pressure on me here. You do know that Daddy can’t win this show, don’t you?’
“My son’s like, ‘Daddy, you always say there’s no such thing as can’t.’ And I’m like, ‘Ah. Yeah, good point.’
“At school, they watch me in assembly.
“The teacher gets my dances up and they’re going on the journey with us as well.”
Adam says the workload is “the hardest things” because “I don’t have any time for family”.
He added: “The children are in bed when I’m getting in late and then I’m up first thing in the morning.
“I’ve got to remember this isn’t forever.
“I’ve got to do the best and enjoy it.
“Some days are tougher than others, but it’s all worth it.
“We’ve been very lucky to get this experience.”
The actor paid tribute to his supportive wife Caroline, 32 — who he met in 2007 when he was 19 — for holding the fort at their Cheshire home while he has been rehearsing.
He said: “My wife’s been unbelievable.
“She’s doing all the school runs and the jobs I do at home.
“She’s here every week she can be.”
Adam suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and had to pull out of Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two last month due to illness.
He said: “I’m surprised I’ve lasted this long without getting ill.
“I had to miss work and a bit of training.”
Adam comes from a TV family — his brother Ryan, 39, starred on Coronation Street, and his twin Scott appeared on Love Island.
Despite that, Adam admits he can be crippled with self doubt.
He said: “There’s been a few emotional days because it is so strenuous due to the workload.
“I doubted myself but feel I’ve found an inner confidence week on week.
“It turns out I am good enough and should believe in myself a bit more.
“I’m genuinely proud of what I’ve done so far in the show.”