Strictly: Competition will start getting 'unpleasant' says JJ Chalmers

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The former Royal Marine and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star returns to TV screens today as he chats to Alan Titchmarsh on the gardener’s ITV show. ‘Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh’ is the countryside-oriented chat show celebrating British produce and manufacturing. Alan also welcomes actress Sophie Thompson, horticulturalist Camilla Bassett-Smith and wine expert Aleesha Hansell to Manor Farm.

TV presenter JJ will discuss his relationship with the Duke of Sussex, who he became close with after they both served in Afghanistan.

The pair struck up a friendship after JJ survived a horrific blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) in Helmand Province, while serving as a Royal Marine.

The explosion, which nearly killed JJ, left him with facial injuries and severe damage to his torso and other parts of his body.

Harry, who completed two tours of Afghanistan, met JJ as he recovered from his injuries.

The Duke of Sussex encouraged him to enter the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event founded by Harry himself where armed forces personnel and veterans compete in adaptive sports.

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JJ and his wife Kornelia were even invited to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018.

JJ spoke about Meghan and Harry’s “shared burden” in a throwback interview after they announced their royal departure.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror in October 2020, the former Royal Marine said: “She’s remarkable.

“He can share the burden with somebody, the good and the bad.”

JJ also spoke about Meghan’s support for Harry after a “hectic period” in his life.

He said: “I’m just happy my friend is settling down with somebody.

“So many of our other friends are all settled down and have kids, so he needs to catch up.

“It’s fantastic to see that he’s been able to find someone.

“Because I’ve been able to see what his life is like over the last four years and he works extremely hard, it’s very hectic.”

Harry and Meghan moved to the US after leaving their royal duties, and settled in Montecito, California with their son Archie, joined last year by baby Lilibet, born in June.

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JJ addressed Harry’s role as a family man as he appeared on ‘The One Show’ in January 2020.

He said: “He’s less the captain in the army I used to know, and he’s more the father.

“When I see him it’s ‘How’s the kids?’ and that’s the first thing that comes up.

“You look at the decision he has made, I think at the forefront of that is to protect his family, because that’s the number one role – to be a father and a husband.”

JJ’s own future since leaving the Royal Marines has gone from strength to strength, with the star securing further work as a TV presenter.

This week, the Paralympian was named as part of BBC Sport’s presenting line-up for the Winter Olympics, which kick off in Beijing next month.

JJ will present coverage of the competition for the broadcaster, alongside Hazel Irvine, Jeanette Kwakye, Ayo Akinwolere and Clare Balding.

‘Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh’ airs on ITV this morning from 10am-12am.

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