Jason Bell

The football field may be a little bit different to our dancefloor, but Jason is still hoping to score big with our Judges!

Starting off his sports career at UCLA, he broke into the big leagues in 2001 playing American Football for the Dallas Cowboys, before joining the Houston Texans in 2002, where he later received the Ed Block Courage Award - one of the highest honours for an NFL player.

Jason’s football career went from strength to strength, seeing him join the New York Giants in 2006, before a back injury put him on the reserves bench in 2007. Eventually he bowed out of the sport for good in 2008, turning his focus to learning new skills - including a business degree from the University of Miami.

However, he didn’t leave football completely behind, returning to our screens as the presenter of the BBC’s popular NFL show and all NFL UK games coverage. He’s also presented the BBC’s live Superbowl coverage and hosts his own podcast with fellow NFL alum Osi Umenyiora.

This football pro will surely be good on his feet, but how does he feel about his impending Strictly makeover? “All I have to say is I’ve been in tight uniforms my whole life, with some serious colour, so I’m ready!”

Sounds like it’s game on. 👏