Pictures by Bill Heaney
JJ CHALMERS – the Strictly Come Dancing 2020 star and former Royal Marine – has gone overnight from bottom of the heap to the top of the world.
And he is forever grateful to his wife Kornelia Chitursko, his family and his dance partner Amy Dowden, 30, for his tremendous success.
Not forgetting the good people of Dumbarton, Renton and Vale of Leven, who cheered him all the way in the BBC competition.
JJ Chalmers, 33, real name John-James, is a Royal Marines veteran who was critically injured in Afghanistan, where one of his mates was Prince Harry.
JJ sustained a broken neck and lost two fingers. After his elbow was mangled and his arms were almost ripped off, the now BBC presenter had at least 30 operations over four years.
The Renton lad, whose father, John, was once minister of Trinity Church in the village, thanked Harry for his support.
They are now close friends and JJ and Kornelia were guests at Harry and Megan’s wedding in Westminster Cathedral.
In an interview, the Lance-Corporal who suffered dreadful injuries from a bomb blast at the age of 23, has said his wife Kornelia Chitursko “convinced” him to join the BBC dancing competition.
If you go to The Democrat Home Page and key in Prince Harry, it will take you to the full story and more great pictures.
The Strictly 2020 star has now spoken out about how his other half has been there for him throughout and was the one who convinced him to give the dance show a go.
He thanked people who had prayed for him when he was fighting for his life in hospital and who had continued to support him through Strictly.