Nadine Coyle’s ex Jason Bell revealed she was the first person he told that he was taking part in Strictly - and admitted she was worried about him getting injured.
The former NFL star, who shares six-year-old daughter Anaiya with the Derry native, revealed Nadine was concerned that his career-ending back injury would be able to withstand the demands of the show.
The BBC pundit, 42, who was previously engaged to the Girls Aloud singer, 35, said: “She just kind of looked at me for a minute.
“She’s not very quick to tell you her opinion, she listens to all the facts,” he told BBC.
“So when I told her, she just was like, ‘Are you sure your back can do it?’
Bell went on to admit that he feels lucky to have such a talented ex in Nadine, as she has been able to help him ahead of his debut on the dancefloor.
“I talk to her all the time about preparing for dance routines and stuff like that, and how long does it take and what do you need to do.
“She’s an expert, so I’m lucky because of that.”
Jason and Nadine split in 2019 after 11 years together, but they have remained on friendly terms as they continue to co-parent daughter Anaiya.
The former Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants player will make his Strictly Come Dancing debut when the new series begins on BBC One on Saturday, October 17.
When asked why he signed up for Strictly, Bell replied: “I wanted to take part because it made me nervous.
“At some point, I’ve always challenged myself - sports has forced that - but when I retired and went off and did other ventures, everything I was scared of, I took that challenge on and I’ve learned something from it.
“I’ve learned about myself and how I operate.
“Having to learn a new skill and compete and be judged by the best; it’s a lot of pressure and I think I’m going to really hone in some skills that I didn’t know I have yet.”
