BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Krishnan Guru-Murphy feared death on show over multiple health issues that killed two family members

Strictly Come Dancing star Krishnan Guru-Murphy shared fears he could die on the dancefloor when signing up to the show. The Channel 4 News presenter was among the 15 celebrities who signed up for the BBC One dance contest this year.

The dancers have since been whittled down and eight couples remain in the competition as week eight gets underway on Saturday night (November 11). Among those set to perform is Krishnan and his professional dance partner Lauren Oakley.

And right before he appeared live in the ballroom for the first time all those weeks ago, Krishnan made a shock admission in relation to his health. He discussed the risks of starring in the show as he struggles with "various health issues", including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which caused the deaths of two of his cousins.

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition affecting the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart. The walls of the left ventricle become thick and stiff. Over time, the heart can't take in or pump out enough blood during each heartbeat to supply the body's needs.

He said at the time: "I’m really starting to have this realisation – you have to get the absolute most out of life before you’re decrepit. I’ve got various health issues, which I’m constantly aware of. I’ve got a genetic heart condition – hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – which has killed two of my cousins, Crohn’s disease, and various other things I won’t bore you with."

He added to the Guardian: "I even asked my cardiologist if I might drop dead live on BBC One. No, was