Ryan Thomas Opens Up About Brother Adam’s Health Battle During Strictly Come Dancing Journey
In a heartwarming display of courage and determination, Adam Thomas, the talented actor known for his role in Waterloo Road, faced a formidable health challenge while participating in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Despite his rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, he and his professional partner, Luba Mushtuk, dazzled audiences before his departure as the sixth contestant last month.
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune condition, caused Adam excruciating pain, making it difficult for him to walk and even get out of bed. This silent battle behind the scenes was unveiled in August, leaving fans in awe of his resilience.
Adam’s brothers, Ryan Thomas, a star from Coronation Street, and Scott, a Love Island alum, provided unwavering support throughout this trying period. Scott revealed the depth of Adam’s struggle, emphasizing that his absence from the “Mancs On The Mic” episode was due to a particularly challenging day caused by his arthritis.
Ryan shared his concern, stating, “I always reach out to Adam, and I can see the pain he’s going through. What happened during Strictly is he was on medication, adrenaline, and that’s what gets you through an experience like that, but I think now coming off the back of it, he did say the other day he was walking really funny.”
Despite the difficulties, Adam’s journey on Strictly was nothing short of inspiring. Ryan commended his brother’s determination, calling him an “inspiration” for continuing to dance despite the pain. “People have no idea what that guy’s been through,” he added.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the immune system attacking the body, leading to painful and swollen joints. While the exact cause is still unknown, certain factors such as smoking, red meat consumption, and coffee intake may increase the risk of developing RA.
Though a cure remains elusive, various treatments are available to manage and slow down the progression of the condition. Adam’s diagnosis served as motivation for him to join Strictly, as he expressed a desire to “be able to move again, get fit and do it, all with a smile on my face!”
His journey on Strictly was not without its challenges. Adam experienced excruciating pain in his knees, which later spread to his ankles, toes, wrists, and fingers. During the filming, he underwent medical tests to address these issues.
Ryan took to Instagram to express his admiration for his brother, saying, “I’m in awe of the guy. He’s an inspiration to me because he’s completely stepped out of his comfort zone – mentally, physically, emotionally.”
Despite the pain, Adam remained resolute, never complaining about the hardships he faced during rehearsals. Luba, his partner, praised his unwavering determination, stating, “I can see that he might hurt a little, but he never says a thing. We just keep moving and keep going.”
For Adam, Strictly Come Dancing arrived at just the right time, offering him a chance to “move again.” In his own words, he acknowledged the impact of his arthritis on his life, both emotionally and physically. “It’s about trying to climb out of that hole and just trying to stay positive,” he said.
