Strictly Come Dancing competitor Adam Thomas has opened up about how receiving a formal diagnosis for a health condition was a “step in the right direction.”

The 35-year-old underwent tests before receiving a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis one month before the BBC dancing competition began.

“The toughest bit was not knowing what was wrong with me,” he said.

Now, the former Emmerdale star says that competing in the show is helping his health.

“Before I did Strictly I wasn’t necessarily exercising as much,” Thomas explained, praising the show’s positive effect on his mental health.