Think you know Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink? Think again! The football legend is swapping his boots for ballroom shoes on Strictly Come Dancing, but there’s a family secret behind his surprising move. His daughters, West End stars themselves, practically pushed him onto the dancefloor! Will their performing arts genes give him a hidden advantage?

Former professional footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is set to trade the pitch for the ballroom, making a surprising debut on the highly anticipated 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. While widely known for his formidable career with Chelsea and other top clubs, Hasselbaink has revealed an intriguing, albeit indirect, connection to the world of dance that belies his tough-tackling image.

The 53-year-old, who enjoyed a successful career as a striker before transitioning into football management, admits that stepping onto the Strictly dancefloor is a significant departure from his usual arena. Initially, the prospect of competing in such a high-profile dance competition pushed him well outside his perceived comfort zone, challenging him to embrace a completely new discipline.

Interestingly, it was his four daughters who played a pivotal role in convincing him to sign up for the popular celebrity dance show. Hasselbaink humorously shared that they “pushed” him into participating, eager to see their father take on this glittering challenge. Their encouragement stems from their own deep involvement in the performing arts.

His daughters, particularly Miah, a talented musical theatre performer, possess significant experience in the entertainment industry. Miah has graced the West End stage in acclaimed productions such as “Matilda the Musical” and “Tina the Musical,” showcasing a remarkable talent for both dancing and singing. This strong familial background in performing arts hints at a natural rhythm that might run in the Hasselbaink household.

This intimate family connection to performing arts means that while Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink might be a novice ballroom dancer, he isn’t entirely unfamiliar with the world of expressive movement and stage presence. His daughters’ passion for dance and performance has inadvertently provided him with some foundational familiarity, potentially giving him a unique edge as he begins his training.

Ahead of his ballroom debut, Hasselbaink describes his daughters as “very excited” and notes that he anticipates being “bossed around for the next four months” as they undoubtedly offer their expert opinions and support. Their enthusiasm clearly fuels his own, turning what might initially have been a daunting challenge into a shared family adventure on one of television’s biggest stages.

As the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing line-up takes shape, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s journey from revered footballer to celebrity dancer promises to be one of the most compelling narratives. Audiences are keenly awaiting to see how this former sporting icon translates his discipline and competitive spirit from the football pitch to the intricate world of choreographed ballroom routines, eager to witness his unexpected dance background come to life.