Strictly star Billy Monger's crash injuries and stunning DJ girlfriend
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He never backs down from a challenge, and today, former race car driver Billy Monger will be showcasing his dancing abilities as he makes history on Strictly Come Dancing.
Just three weeks before turning 18, the 25-year-old experienced a life-altering event in 2017 when he was seriously hurt in a high-speed collision during a Formula 4 race in Donnington. The accident resulted in the amputation of both his legs, but he hasn't allowed that to stop him from moving forward.
Just three months after his accident, Monger made his comeback to the racetrack, featuring in a BAFTA-nominated documentary that shared his story and remarkable recovery. Since then, he has transitioned into a role as a presenter and commentator, contributing to Channel 4's coverage of both Formula 1 and the Paralympics. In October, he participated in the IRONMAN World Championship triathlon to fundraise for Comic Relief, achieving a new world record time for double amputees and becoming the youngest double amputee to finish an Ironman event.
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On Christmas Day, he will once again make a mark in history by becoming the first double amputee to step onto the dancefloor for the holiday special of Strictly. Monger will go up against comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag performer Tayce, presenter Vogue Williams, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and actress Tamsin Outhwaite, all aiming for the coveted Christmas Glitterball trophy. Despite his typically courageous demeanor, the former racing driver has expressed that he’s feeling a bit anxious about the competition.
"The idea of wearing sequins in front of Craig Revel Horwood brings a level of anxiety I've never felt before," he shared before the show. "I'm stepping way outside my comfort zone with this."
My family really loves Strictly, so I'm taking part for them. I just pray my leg holds up while I’m dancing!
Monger will have the backing of his talented dance partner, Nadiya Bychkova, during the competition, but he'll also be supported by his girlfriend, Zara, and his family. While it’s not obvious how long he’s been dating the stunning DJ, known as ZPM, he has posted numerous affectionate photos of the two of them on his Instagram in the past few months.
The couple enjoyed some time together in Paris this summer while Monger was busy working at the Paralympics. Earlier this month, they also walked the red carpet for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event.
The talented racer has enjoyed significant backing from his parents and his younger sister, Bonny. They both participated in the BBC show Celebrity Race Across the World last year. The sibling duo went up against Good Morning Britain’s weather presenter Alex Beresford and his father, as well as McFly's drummer Harry Judd with his mother, and All Saints' Melanie Blatt with her mom. Together, they traveled through 24 countries, starting in Morocco and ending in Norway, but unfortunately, they had to withdraw from the competition in the last episode because of a family emergency back home in the UK.
Makeup artist Bonny often shows her support for her brother in his projects and has built up a significant fanbase for herself, amassing almost 20,000 followers on Instagram. Alongside many vacation pictures, she has posted images of herself with her brother at Buckingham Palace and celebrating their shared success at the BAFTA awards for Celebrity Race Across the World.
It's evident that Monger holds his relationships in high regard. After finishing the IRONMAN triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, earlier this year, he wrote a heartfelt message to his girlfriend and family.
"He stated, 'You are the sum of the five individuals you surround yourself with most.' If that really holds true, it’s easy to see why accomplishing something remarkable in Kona about a month ago felt attainable."
Honestly, it seems like anything is within reach when I think about the amazing team I’ve been lucky to have around me. They truly bring out the best in me, no question about it. I cherish their presence in my life immensely, and I really hope they’re aware of how much they mean to me.
"In these photos, you’ll see my friends and family, an incredible team that I couldn't have accomplished all this without. If you've read this far, great job! I hope you all find your own supportive people like the ones I've been lucky to have in my life."
