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<\/p>\nAdam Thomas has revealed that he "couldn't really walk" while struggling with rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n
The ex-Emmerdale star is starring on this year's series of Strictly but has admitted he could barely walk, let alone dance, just a couple of weeks before rehearsals began.<\/p>\n
Adam, 35, revealed that he has been taking medication for the chronic health condition and is finally "on the road to recovery".<\/p>\n
READ MORE:<\/b>Strictly's Giovanni Pernice and Anton du Beke strip off to announce major career move<\/b><\/p>\n
Asked how he was coping with it during rehearsals, he told Daily Star and other press: "So far, so good. I'm on [lots] of medication, so I probably won't remember this chat! It's been tough, but I'm on the road to recovery."<\/p>\n
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"A couple of weeks ago I couldn't really walk or really do much, so to get to this point where I'm at now, I'm just so happy. I just want to get on the dancefloor, start dancing, moving. I'm just happy to be here and be able to do it.<\/p>\n
"I don't care about how far I get, I'm just happy to be here."<\/p>\n
Adam, who was diagnosed with arthiritis in August, has admitted he is "still struggling" and in pain but insists swimming helps.<\/p>\n
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Updating fans with a topless snap, he wrote: "Very rare sight \u2026 me with my top off! But I need to get comfortable feeling uncomfortable! Am not in the best shape of my life but, I could be worse.<\/p>\n
"This year has been tough there\u2019s no doubt about that\u2026 but I\u2019ve just got to stay focused now! I\u2019m still struggling and the pain is still there but I\u2019m putting on a brave face I\u2019ve got to stay strong!<\/p>\n
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"Swimming helps me so much with my arthritis, I mean as much as it kills me getting my top off and going for a swim, I know it\u2019s helping me and I know it\u2019s also helping me deal with the issues I\u2019ve got with me and my body. Which is a good thing!"<\/p>\n
Asked how rehearsals were going, Adam added: "I didn't expect to be enjoying it as much as I'm enjoying it, to be honest with you. It's great fun, it really is. We've only had like a day or two of training but when it sort of clicks and you know your routine…<\/p>\n
"We did a big group dance rehearsal together and that was special. The energy, the vibe. Magic, man, really is."<\/p>\n
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