by Simon Daish

Crowned European champion in 2011, World champion in 2014 and Paralympic champion in 2016, Will Bayley to this day remains one of the central figures on the Para table tennis scene. Will’s achievements captured the hearts of sports fans across the United Kingdom and beyond, and in 2017 he was appointed Member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to table tennis.

In August 2019 it was confirmed that Will would be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2019 as one of the 15 celebrity line-up.

For those who are unfamiliar with the series, Strictly Come Dancing was founded in 2004 and is one of the BBC’s most popular shows featuring celebrity contestants from a range of fields including actors, musicians, comedians, athletes, you name it! Each week, the contestants’ routines are scrutinised by four judges and the public to decide who progresses to the next stage and which unlucky pair bids their farewells.

Unveiled as one of the stars of the show for Strictly Come Dancing 2019, Will was partnered with professional dancer Janette Manrara, thus forming a delightful pairing that continues to blossom with every passing week.

Will’s progress so far has been nothing short of inspirational and still remains in the race five weeks into the competition. From the Quickstep to the Salsa, Paso to the Foxtrot and most recently a contemporary routine, Will and Janette have dazzled viewers right from Week 1 and will be hoping to steal the show in Week 6 in what is being dubbed as Halloween Week.

We are ready for another Saturday ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1N58S28FsC

— Will Bayley MBE (@WillBayleytt) October 17, 2019

The ITTF wishes Will all the best on his journey to becoming king of the ballroom!