Strictly Come Dancing’s Adam Thomas suffers from painful ‘rheumatoid arthritis’, here’s what it is

On 8 August, it was announced that actor Adam Thomas was going to join the latest season of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. The Emmerdale actor shared his excitement about joining the season saying:

I am so excited to be joining the cast of this year's Strictly Come Dancing. I've been such a big fan of the show for years, I can't believe I'm actually doing it!

He joins other cast members such as Angela Rippon, Zara McDermott and Amanda Abbington. However, only two days after the news was announced Adam Thomas shared that he is battling a very painful chronic illness.

Here’s what we know about it.

Adam Thomas joins Strictly Come Dancing

On 8 August the official social media accounts of the BBC hit show announced that Adam Thomas would join the lineup of the new season. The news was welcomed by fans with a lot of enthusiasm as one comments shows:

Yes!!!! Excited for this @adamthomas21 can’t wait for all the laughs 😂

The following day, Thomas himself took to his own Instagram account to share his happiness. A long time fan of the show, his joy at the idea of being on the programme is palpable. He says:

Guys I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into as I cannot dance to save my life

At the time news of his chronic disease hadn’t come out. Only yesterday (10 August), on the eve of his 35th birthday, did the contestant share the diagnosis.

As much as I act like a kid, my body is telling another story…

He continued by sharing how, since the beginning of the year, he had been ‘in a lot of pain.’

it started with my knees and then traveled to my wrists, fingers and now ankles and toes. (...) I’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid Arthritis!

In his caption, he detailed the impact the condition had had on him and his family explaining that ‘some days are better than others.’ He also reveals that his decision to join Strictly was actually motivated by his diagnosis.

The reason I signed up to strictly is because I just want to be able to move again, get fit and do it, all with a smile on my face!

Read more:Strictly Come Dancing: The serious health risk that could be dangerous for Angela Rippon

What is ‘rheumatoid arthritis’?

The NHS describes the condition as ‘long-term’ and as something that ‘causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.’

Indeed, as Adam Thomas himself explained, those areas are where his symptoms started. Both Thomas and the NHS explain that this condition consists of ups and downs. There might be ‘periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups.’ This ‘flare-ups’ are very hard to predict and they can be very debilitating.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a ‘autoimmune disease.’ While the NHS specifies that the triggers of the condition remain unclear, they do say that women, smokers and people who have a history of the condition in their family are at risk.

This a condition that doesn’t go away but there are treatments which is why it is crucial to get diagnosed quickly. Some treatments can ensure longer gaps between flare-ups.

As Adam Thomas shared on his Instagram, rheumatoid arthritis comes with other symptoms such as tiredness and ‘poor appetite’ therefore making everyday life harder.

It those moments it is important to seek medical help and to know that you aren’t alone.

Adam Thomas says:

the reason am telling you this is if anyone out there, is suffering what ever your situation… stay strong get the right help where and when you can!

But most importantly stay positive! ♥️

Read more on the condition HERE

Read more:Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: This Morning hosts could be reunited sooner than expected

Sources:

Metro: Adam Thomas, 34, diagnosed with chronic illness ahead of Strictly Come Dancing

Radio Times: Strictly Come Dancing confirms Adam Thomas for 2023 line-up

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NHS