Adam Peaty has said that he is "not ashamed" to admit that he is not "ok" following his shock elimination from Strictly Come Dancing over the weekend.
The Olympic swimming hero, 26, was a one-time favourite to win the show but struggled in recent weeks and on Sunday's episode he lost in a dance-off with Gordon Ramsay's daughter Tilly Ramsay.
Peaty was visibly upset when the result came through, and taking to social media, he explained that the experience of the show combined with his Olympic exertions had pushed him "over the edge".
Posting a montage of pictures with his pro partner Katya Jones, he wrote on Instagram: "I'm so grateful for my time on this show, from the highs of performing in front of millions and the extreme challenge of learning a new routine within 3 days every week, it's been incredible.
"I didn't know how much it meant to me until I got a bit emotional after my dance off; however, I don't think it was the dancing that pushed me over the edge, but the two years of the constant challenge with myself combined with the energy to win the Olympics and becoming a father at the same time.
"My emotions are one of my strongest attributes and I'm not ashamed to show that I'm human.
"It's crazy to me because I thought I was 'ok' but I am not. We all have to wear a piece of armour to get the job done and it wasn't until this week that I knew I could let it go.
"I'm still healing from the trials and tribulations that elite sporting athletes go through but with that I'm also adapting and learning from life."
In a pointed reference to speculation linking him and Jones romantically, he added: "For the people who tried to bring us down throughout the show, please challenge yourself to be better. The world needs much more positivity and truth."
Strictly continues Saturday at 6.40pm on BBC One.
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