David James MBE

This footballing icon is a keeper!

Fact title	Fact data
Age	49
Profession	Former goalkeeper
Partner	Nadiya Bychkova

Meet David James

"My current level of dance ability on a scale from one to 10? It's not on the scale yet."

Making dancing his goal this year, say hello to England legend David James!

“Mark Foster is the reason why I am on the show, he told me how wonderful the experience was and how lovely the Strictly team are."

The former goalkeeper has faced many roaring crowds across his decade-spanning career, starting off at Watford FC, before hitting the Premier League for Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Manchester City and Portsmouth. He soon became first choice for the England squad, playing in the UEFA Euro 2004 and 2010 World Cup and amassing 53 caps for his country.

He was awarded an MBE in 2012 for his services to football and charity. Just a year later he hung up his football boots for good, finishing his career at Icelandic club IBV.

David’s now a popular pundit for the BBC and BT Sport, and is hoping to add Strictly to his long list of sporting successes. He’s even been inspired by fellow athlete and former winner Mark Foster to take part. “He is the reason why I am on the show, he told me how wonderful the experience was and how lovely the Strictly team are,” he said.

Could we be looking at another sportsman snapping up the Glitterball trophy this year? Roll on the live shows!