Former Premier League star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is trading the football pitch for the dance floor in a dramatic career change that's set to light up Saturday night television. The ex-Chelsea and Leeds United striker has been confirmed as one of the celebrity contestants for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
From Goal Scoring to Glitterballs
The 52-year-old Dutch football legend, who became a household name during his prolific scoring years in English football, will now attempt to master the cha-cha-cha and perfect the paso doble under the watchful eye of the Strictly judges.
Hasselbaink follows in the footsteps of other footballing figures who've taken to the Strictly stage, including Peter Schmeichel and Robbie Savage. His powerful presence and competitive nature developed during his playing career could prove valuable assets in the ballroom.
Strictly's Growing Sports Roster
The announcement continues Strictly's tradition of featuring sports personalities among its diverse lineup of contestants. Hasselbaink joins what insiders are calling one of the most exciting rosters in the show's history, though the full list of celebrity participants remains under wraps.
During his illustrious football career, Hasselbaink made 288 Premier League appearances and scored 127 goals, winning the Golden Boot twice. Now fans will be watching to see if he can display similar excellence on the dance floor.
What to Expect from the Footballer's Journey
While Hasselbaink's football career demonstrated his athletic prowess and coordination, the transition to ballroom dancing presents entirely new challenges. The intense training schedule, technical precision, and performance artistry required for Strictly will test the former athlete in unexpected ways.
Viewers can anticipate seeing a different side to the typically tough football pundit as he embraces the glitter, glamour, and sometimes gruelling demands of the competition.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is expected to premiere on BBC One in September, with professional partners to be announced closer to the launch date.
