Strictly’s Tony Adams’ life away from football from ex-wives to children

On the pitch, former footballer Tony Adams may know how to impress crowds with his footwork, but showing off his moves on the Strictly Come Dancing floor is a whole different ball game for the sporting legend.

As the eleventh contestant to be announced for this year’s series, 55 year old Tony is joining fellow celebrities including Will Mellor, Kym Marsh and Kaye Adams on the dancefloor.

And while sports fans may be more than familiar with Tony given his success in the world of football, some viewers may be wanting to learn more about the star as he makes his Strictly debut.

So, who is Tony Adams and what teams did he play for? Let’s take a peek…

Footballer Tony Adams is set to take to the Strictly Come Dancing floor (Image: BBC) Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles

Born in Romford, Tony had a footballing career which spanned for over 22 years and saw him play for both the country and in the Premier League.

After first signing for Arsenal while still at school in 1980, the footballer made his debut for the team three years later in a match against Sunderland. At the time of his debut, he was just 17 years old.

At the age of 21, Tony became Arsenal’s youngest ever captain and held the role throughout his career on the pitch.

Tony made his Arsenal debut when he was 17 years old (Image: GETTY)

Away from his time at Arsenal, the professional footballer won 66 caps for England and played in four major tournaments between 1987 and 2000.

During the Euro ’96 tournament, Tony captained the team and together the players made it to the semi-finals. However, after going to penalties, the squat got booted out of the tournament by Germany.

The sportsman retired from football in 2002 and began a sports science degree at Brunel University.

After retiring, Tony turned his hand to managing teams (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

He then turned his hand to managing and has since managed teams including Wycombe Wanderers and was an assistant manager to Harry Redknapp while at Portsmouth FC.

Away from the pitch, Tony has been married twice. In 1992, he married Jane Shea and welcomed children Oliver and Amber. The couple divorced in 1997.

Then in 2004, he married whisky heiress Poppy Teacher and together they have two sons, Atticus and Hector.

Tony married Poppy Teacher in 2004 (Image: GETTY)

Tony has also launched SIX MHS which provides mental health and addictions services to those in need. As well as this, he is a patron to four charities: NACOA, Forward Trust, Saving Faces, School Home Support and 6 Addiction.

In his autobiography, Sober, Tony has opened up about his own mental health and has spoken about his battle with alcohol addiction, anxiety and depression.

Speaking about joining the latest Strictly Come Dancing line-up, the footballer revealed that his thoughts were with whichever pro would be paired with him.

Tony says he’s “excited” to appear on Strictly (Image: GETTY)

“To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes,” he said.

“Am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to meet my partner – god help her – and start the dancing.”

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