So proud I’m on Strictly, says acid victim Katie Piper
TV PRESENTER Katie Piper has spoken of her pride at being chosen for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, ten years after surviving an acid attack.
The former model, 34 (pictured), was left partially blind, and with severe scarring to her face, chest, neck, arm and hands when sulphuric acid was thrown in her face by Stefan Sylvestre in 2008. The attack was arranged by her former boyfriend Daniel Lynch — both men are serving life sentences.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, where she was unveiled as the 16th series’ first star, she said: ‘I think it gives a wider message that my past and the way I look is irrelevant and I’m able to go forward and do these things.
‘That’s something I’m really proud of. From a personal point of view, it’s so refreshing to be doing something so light-hearted and just so fun.’
Katie, who has two daughters with husband Richard Sutton, has undergone more than 250 operations. She set up the Katie Piper Foundation to support victims of acid attacks. She said: ‘Even if I don’t last long, I will come away knowing something that I didn’t before — and that’s a bonus.’
Others appearing from next month include Steps star Faye Tozer, along with Danny John-Jules — best known for playing Cat in the sci-fi comedy series, Red Dwarf.
Author: Andrei Harmsworth
