Jayde Adams reveals she’s doing Strictly for her late sister Jenna who studied dance

August 27, 2022 Stan

‘It’s such an emotional thing for me’: Jayde Adams reveals she’s doing Strictly for her late sister Jenna who studied dance – after she died from a brain tumour 11 years ago

Published: 16:35 EDT, 27 August 2022 | Updated: 17:32 EDT, 27 August 2022

Jayde Adams has revealed that she’s doing Strictly Come Dancing for her late sister Jenna, who died from a brain tumour 11 years ago at the age of just 28.

The comedian, 37, told how it was ‘such an emotional thing for her’ to take part in the BBC competition to honour her sibling – who studied contemporary dance at university.

She told in a raw new interview how she and Jenna participated in childhood dancing contests together, with Jayde believing that her sister helped her get on to the show.

Family: Jayde Adams has revealed that she’s doing Strictly Come Dancing for her late sister Jenna, who died from a brain tumour 11 years ago at the age of just 28

She told The Mirror: ‘I think my sister’s definitely orchestrating things for me. It all feels so serendipitous. It’s such an emotional thing for me.’

From the age of five to 17, Jayde would regularly take part in freestyle disco dancing contests with Jenna.

She explained to the publication: ‘I really held Jenna back in freestyle disco-dancing. Even though I had pizzazz and something about me, back in the 90s if you were chubby you weren’t a dancer.

‘My sister wasn’t like that and she was really good – but what it gave me was this real ease on stage which was really useful for stand-up.’

Love: The comedian, 37, told how it was ‘such an emotional thing for her’ to take part in the BBC competition to honour her sibling (pictured) – who studied contemporary dance at university

In 2005, Jenna had a seizure out of the blue. It turned out she had a brain tumour, and she died six years later, at the age of 28.

Jayde hasn’t danced with anyone else since but will take part in the popular ballroom show this autumn.

Jayde also told how her sister inspired her to become a comedian as she battled her illness, while her death spurred her on to write her first award-winning stand-up show.

Jayde was announced as the fifth contestant to sign up to Strictly Come Dancing 2022 earlier his month.

Dancing: She told The Mirror : ‘I think my sister’s definitely orchestrating things for me. It all feels so serendipitous. It’s such an emotional thing for me’

The star said that keeping the secret hidden had been like ‘torture’, but that she was a ‘massive fan’ of the show, as she joked appearing on the beloved programme was her main career goal.

She said: ‘Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly.

‘I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family. I’ve always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly).

‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.

Talented: Best known as a comedian, Jayde has won several comedy awards and was nominated for the coveted Best Newcomer with her Edinburgh Fringe debut stand-up hour

She added: ‘Holding this in has been torture for me!’

Best known as a comedian, Jayde has won several comedy awards and was nominated for the coveted Best Newcomer with her Edinburgh Fringe debut stand-up hour.

Her Amazon Prime special, Serious Black Jumper, received global critical acclaim, was released worldwide and was longlisted for an Emmy.

As an actor, Jayde has starred in BBC Two BAFTA winning comedy Alma’s Not Normal, the upcoming Take That movie Greatest Days, Amazon Prime’s Good Omens, and BBC One’s The Outlaws, while she is co-creator and star of ITV2’s upcoming brand new series Ruby Speaking.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH

Age: 46

Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter

Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’

RICHIE ANDERSON

Age: 34

Profession: Radio presenter

Richie says: ‘This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!’

ELLIE SIMMONDS

Age: 27

Profession: Former athlete

Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’

TYLER WEST

Age: 26

Profession: Radio DJ

Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’

ELLIE TAYLOR

Age: 38

Profession: Comedian

Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’

TONY ADAMS MBE

Profession: Retired footballer and manager

Tony says: ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’

JAMES BYE

Age: 38

Profession: EastEnders actor

James says ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.’

HELEN SKELTON

Age: 39

Profession: TV and radio broadcaster

Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’

WILL MELLOR

Age: 46

Profession: Actor

Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’

KAYE ADAMS

Age: 59

Profession: Television presenter

Kaye says: ‘I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’

JAYDE ADAMS

Age: 37

Profession: Comedian

Jayde says: ‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’

MATT GOSS

Age: 53

Profession: Singer

Matt says: ‘I’ve been reclusive, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought, it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’

MOLLY RAINFORD

Age: 21

Profession: Singer

Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’

FLEUR EAST

Age: 34

Profession: Singer

Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

HAMZA YASSIN