James Cracknell expresses fears that Strictly Come Dancing could trigger epileptic fit

Strictly Come Dancing star James Cracknell has shared fears about his health.

The British athlete, who is currently taking part in this year’s series of the hit BBC dancing show, has opened up about his fears surrounding his health.

He has explained his concerns that the rigorous Strictly rehearsal schedule could trigger an epileptic fit.

The rowing champion has suffered from seizures since 2010 when he was involved in a collision with a truck while filming for Cracknell’s Race Across America. The accident left him with a brain injury.

He told The Sun that his fits are usually caused by tiredness, and revealed that he has made Strictly partner, Luba Mushtuk, aware of his condition.

“Some people get epilepsy from strobe lighting, but not me,” he said. “I don’t want to worry Luba but mine is set off by fatigue. When I’ve had a seizure it’s been because of not sleeping.”

“Epilepsy comes with a bit of a stigma,” continued the Olympic gold medallist.

“One of the drawbacks is that it’s a hidden disability. I think it’s important for anyone who has a profile to get other people to understand it.”

More: Strictly Come Dancing star suffers injury as show rehearsals start

The 47-year-old, who didn’t get off to the best start on this year’s Strictly after notoriously tough judge Craig Revel Horwood told him he was ‘lethargic’ and ‘hunched over’ during his first performance this past weekend, has revealed that he is determined to make it to the fourth week of the competition for an adorable reason.

The dad-of-three hopes to stay in until the fourth week of the show so that his eldest child Croyde, who will be turning 16 on the day of the fourth show, can watch him perform on his birthday.

“You have to be sixteen to go,” James told HELLO!. “It would be nice”.

The sportsman revealed that son Croyde, who he shares with ex-wife Beverley Turner, was actually with him when he had his first epileptic fit.

“My son turns 16 soon and it’s good for him to see me doing Strictly,” he said. “When I had my first seizure it was me and him at home and he had to call the ambulance.

“He sees how bad I am, a lot. So for him to see me do this would actually be good for him.

“I want to show him I’m going to be around for a while,’ he continued. ‘It’s been tough for him. We didn’t know I had epilepsy, it just happened, but he acted fast.”

Fingers crossed James makes it to week four!