Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Opens Up About Why He’s Joining Strictly Come Dancing
Former football star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has revealed the gladdening reason behind his decision to take part in the forthcoming series of rigorously Come Dancing, which kicks off on 20 September.
At 53, the retired striker is switching the football pitch for the spangling chamber. But his provocation isn’t fame or wealth.
Rather, Hasselbaink says he wants to set an illustration for his four daughters by stepping into a “ vulnerable position ” and embracing a new challenge.
“The finances were not a driver for me. The drive is more about showing my girls that I can put myself in a vulnerable position and try to learn a new skill, try to compete and work hard to become better and be open-minded,” he told The Sun’s TV Biz column.
The star admitted that Strictly holds a special place in his family’s weekend routine.
“I was contacted by the producers. It’s a show that we as a family have always watched. On a Saturday, we’d all sit together, after our dinner, and watch it, and then on Sunday, we’d watch the results. It’s a big thing for us,” he explained.
Hasselbaink’s football career saw him play for famed clubs like Leeds United, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea. Now, he’s ready to attack intricate cotillion routines.
“Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before, but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals,” he added.
His participation was officially confirmed during the 11 August episode of BBC’s The One Show. He will join a star-studded line-up of 14 other celebrities vying for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
This time’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants include Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Love Island’s Dani Dyer, Doctor Who’s Alex Kingston.
YouTuber George Clarke, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, and trailblazing model Ellie Goldstein, the first model with Down Syndrome to blazon the cover of British Vogue.
Other participants include RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s La Voix, retired England rugby player Chris Robshaw, The Apprentice 2019 contestant Thomas Skinner, former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, Ross King.
Former England women’s footballer Karen Carney, and Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, who replaced Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn due to medical reasons.
For Hasselbaink, this is more than just a TV opportunity. It’s a chance to grow, to inspire his family, and to step boldly into a new world outside football.
