Strictly's Adam Thomas shares secret health battle as star diagnosed with incurable illness
Adam Thomas has signed up to star in this year's Strictly
BBC
Waterloo Road and Emmerdale fan-favourite Adam Thomas has revealed he's been suffering from a chronic illness.
The star was unveiled as one of the 15 celebrities joining the cast of Strictly earlier this week and now, he's decided to share his diagnosis and how it'll impact his training.
Taking to Instagram, Thomas revealed he's been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The "long-term condition causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints", says the NHS, with the hands, feet, and wrists the main areas affected.
Thomas confirmed the news alongside a smiley selfie of himself, his wife Caroline Daly, and their two children Teddy and Elsie-Rose.
He penned: "Well it’s my birthday tomorrow and I turn 35!! How did that happen, does this mean I should stop acting like a kid now haha.
"As much as I act like a kid, my body is telling another story…" Thomas continued.
The Strictly star announced the news alongside a snap with his family
INSTAGRAM/ADAM THOMAS
Delving further into the details, he added: "I’ve been in a lot of pain since January, it started with my knees and then traveled to my wrists, fingers and now ankles and toes.
"I never knew what was happening and finally after several blood tests and back and forth to doctors and hospitals, I’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid Arthritis!"
Thomas admitted he had misconceptions about the illness as he thought it only affected people older than him.
Despite the diagnosis and ongoing battle with the condition, Thomas remained upbeat as he insisted he's "finally getting it under control".
He did add, however: "But some days are better than others and am not going to lie, it’s been hard not being able to train properly, it’s has had a huge knock on effect for me personally, but not only that for my family too!!"
Thomas took the time to pay tribute to his family directly as he penned: "And I just want to say thank you to @carolinethomas23 and the kids for going on this journey with me, as I know it’s been challenging and frustrating at times but hopefully we’re on the right path now!
"I don’t know too much about the condition yet as am still learning but what I have done is learnt a lot about myself and the fact I’d be lost with out this lot!"
Addressing his upcoming Strictly stint, Thomas went on: "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!
"It really couldn’t have come at a better time I’m a firm believer of everything happening for a reason, and I know the journey I’ve been on was meant to happen, to never take small things in life for granted! …Like going for a run, playing with my kids and just being able to walk with no pain!
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Adam Thomas starred alongside Kym Marsh in Waterloo Road
BBC
"I know it’s going to be tough and I’ve definitely got my work cut out but am up for the challenge and can not wait to get on that dance floor!!
"I suppose the reason am telling you this is if anyone out there, is suffering whatever your situation… stay strong get the right help where and when you can!
"But most importantly stay positive," Thomas signed off.
It hasn't been revealed yet who Thomas will perform with when he takes to the Strictly dancefloor for the first time later this year.
The full line-up for this year's Strictly is Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermott, Les Dennis, Nikita Kanda, Ellie Leach, Jody Cundy, Bobby Brazier, Nigel Harman and Annabel Croft.