New Strictly pro Alexis Warr, who will be on the show tonight (Saturday, September 27), revealed that she once suffered an injury so severe that almost killed her.
The American dancer, 25, opened up about the terrifying incident during an interview back in 2023.
Strictly dancer Alexis Warr on accident that almost killed her
Two years ago, during a chat with VoyageLA, Alexis revealed that she suffered a concussion after an accident at high school.
The star, who was born in Highland, Utah, said: “I would say the biggest personal challenge that forever changed me would be when I experienced head trauma and severe bullying during my high school years. I had always got along with all my peers, teammates and coaches. However, in 2016, my body was turning on me because I was pushing it too much and not taking care of myself mentally or physically.”
The dancer then continued. “I also got a severe concussion. This concussion was severe because the doctors I worked with said that if I had hit just an inch above where the impact was, I could possibly be paralyzed or even dead.”
Alexis on concussion trauma and bullying heartache
The star, who has danced on shows such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, then continued.
“I was flabbergasted. I did not believe in the severity. During this time, I found out about the bullying that was going on behind my back. It hit me so hard and caused me to spiral down to my lowest point and not want to come back. I could barely even recognise myself,” she said.
Alexis went on to say that she eventually managed to “dig” herself “out of the hole” with the help of her parents, sister, her religion, her dance tutors and mentors.
The following year, she quit that part of dance season and focused on competitive ballroom for the year. This saw her travel around US and England, where she was able to “escape reality”.
However, whenever she danced jazz or contemporary, she would tear up and get the “sickest feeling in my stomach”.
Strictly star Alexis Warr on forgiving her bullies and moving on
In her senior year, Alexis decided that she didn’t want to end her time at the dance studio in that manner.
She explained that she “forgave those that were so mean” and developed friendships with them.
Alexis made her debut on Strictly last weekend, where it was revealed that she’s been paired up with YouTube and TikTok star George Clarke.
Speaking about being paired up with Alexis during the launch show, George said he was “very happy”.
“It’s very nice to be going through something together as a newbie, but I believe you’ve [Alexis] danced before,” he said.
Alexis then added that she wants George to have patience, “embody the show, and have some fun with me”.
Read more: Strictly pro Jowita Przystal ‘dreading’ early exit with Ross King as ‘challenges ahead’ addressed
Catch Alexis on Strictly tonight (Saturday, September 27) from 6.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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