'I have to be careful of raising my heartbeat into the red zone': Stricty's Krishnan Guru-Murthy's genetic heart condition might set him back

'Strictly Come Dancing' contestant Krishnan Guru-Murthy won't be able to train as hard as his fellow celebrities due to a genetic heart condition.

The 53-year-old journalist and broadcaster - who is best known as the main anchor of Channel 4 News, as well as reporting for the foreign affairs series 'Unreported World' - has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which means he shouldn't allow his heart rate to rise too high, otherwise, he could "drop dead" like his two cousins.

He told The Mirror: "I even asked my cardiologist if I might drop dead live on BBC1. ‘No’, was his answer. But he couldn’t give me an absolute guarantee. I have to be careful of raising my heartbeat into the red zone; that final 15 per cent. I shouldn’t go there. It’s where people with my condition drop dead."

Krishnan insisted he couldn't put off trying out the Latin and ballroom show forever, because it might become "impossible" one day.

He added: "What if I kept saying no? It might not be physically possible for me to do it now, that remains to be seen. But it certainly won’t be possible in five years."

Upon announcing he was joining the competition, he admitted he felt "surprised, delighted and slightly confused" about being asked to join the show.

He said: "I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in 'Strictly' on the basis of ‘you only live once!’ and I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude. I know I’m going to love it and have a brilliant time and just hope I’m not the only one enjoying my participation.”

The line-up for this year also includes Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams, Angela Rippon, and Amanda Abbington.

Layton said: "Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It's time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!"

Angela commented: "Having been a fan of 'Strictly' since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentinian Tango!!”

And Amanda said: "I’m thrilled to have been asked to do 'Strictly'. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things! Plus, I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about. I’m really looking forward to the training too, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you. I can’t wait to start!”

The show returns to BBC1 on September 23, where the celebrities will be matched with their professional dancers.