Former racing driver Billy Monger is poised to make history on Christmas Day as he takes to the dance floor for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. At just 25, Monger steps forward as the first double amputee contestant, ready to challenge himself alongside other celebrities vying for the coveted Christmas Glitterball trophy. The lineup includes comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag artist Tayce, presenter Vogue Williams, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and actor Tamsin Outhwaite.
Monger, who suffered life-altering injuries from a high-speed crash three weeks before his 18th birthday, is no stranger to facing adversities. The accident occurred during a Formula 4 race at Donington, resulting in the amputation of both his legs. Unwilling to let these challenges define him, Monger returned to the racing scene just three months later. His determination helped him secure podium finishes, including winning the Pau Grand Prix in the European Formula 3 series back in 2019, following the footsteps of racing icons like Lewis Hamilton.
Known for his relentless spirit, he explained his desire to compete: "The thought of donning sequins in front of Craig Revel Horwood fills me with a fear I've never experienced before. This is about as far from my comfort zone as it can get." Despite the nerves, he’s enthusiastic about competing, stating, "Part of me doesn’t want this to end. I want it to keep going and continue to push the boundaries."
Throughout his remarkable recovery, Monger garnered attention for his tenacity and bravery. After the life-changing event, he actively lobbied for the FIA to allow disabled drivers to race single-seater cars, resulting not only in his own racing but opening the doors for others facing similar challenges. His inspiring story earned him the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and drew recognition through a BAFTA-nominated documentary detailing his accident and subsequent comeback.
His participation on Strictly Come Dancing follows his appearance on Celebrity Race Across the World, where he competed with his sister, Bonny. They faced the unexpected challenge of withdrawing from the show due to a family emergency. Reflecting on their exit, Monger shared, "Bon and I were gutted to have to leave the race. A close family member had a bad accident so we had to get home. Thankfully all is okay now. We loved the whole experience!" This unwavering commitment to family continues to reflect in Monger's motivations, as he dedicates his performance to his loved ones, who are avid fans of the show.
On the dance floor, Monger will work closely with professional partner Nadiya Bychkova. He credits her for the choreography, which accommodates his prosthetics: "It’s challenging with my prosthetics, but Nadiya did all the choreography and included moves I could do." He appreciates her dedication to pushing him to achieve the best possible routines, emphasizing the need for trust between them as they adapt techniques suitable for both his abilities and limitations.
Beyond the production, Monger has shown his commitment to philanthropy, raising £3 million for Comic Relief through extensive endurance challenges, including walking, kayaking, and cycling over 140 miles across England. Most recently, earlier this year, he set a new world record for double amputees at the Ironman World Championships held in Hawaii. Reflecting on his physical trials, he affirmed, "I lost my legs but not my daredevil spirit."
There’s no doubt the challenges he faced have powered his ambition. On the topic of mental preparation for the dance event, Monger humorously remarked, "I’m just hoping my leg doesn’t fall off mid-dance!" Yet, he also values the unique experience, pointing out, "This show has provided me with newfound confidence." He expressed interest in possibly joining the main series of Strictly Come Dancing someday, noting the support and camaraderie he feels with the cast and crew.
Billy Monger's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air at 3:55 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day. His inspiring story showcases relentless persistence not only within the racing world but also as he takes on dance challenges, highlighting the potential for resilience and courage against all odds. With hopes of lifting the Glitterball, Monger embodies the spirit of perseverance, proving yet again how one can defy limitations and triumph over adversity.
