Strictly's Adam Thomas can 'barely walk' and in pain as debilitating condition worsens

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Adam Thomas - known for his roles on Waterloo Road and Emmerdale - has been sharing updates with fans after his arthritis diagnosis

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Adam Thomas has said that he can "barely walk" and is experiencing "pretty unbearable" pain at the moment due to arthritis.

The actor, 36 - who's known for his roles in Waterloo Road and Emmerdale - previously shared that he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last year. He's since said that he has psoriatic arthritis, which the NHS describes as a "long-term condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness".

Adam's spoken about symptoms and treatment options in recent weeks. He shared an update with fans on Instagram on Wednesday night, in which the former I'm A Celebrity campmate said that the pain has been "a lot worse" lately.

Alongside a black-and-white selfie, he wrote in the caption: "The pain is pretty unbearable at the moment, it's as if my whole body is seizing up!! The pain was bad before, but it's a lot worse now… how why??? Now I wish I never came off the methotrexate because I would take that pain to this every day of the week!

"I've just started my new medication today which takes 12 weeks to take effect and even then it might not work so am not too sure what I can do to ease the pain until then?? I've had my steroid injections and it literally lasted a week ... Going to check in at the hospital tomorrow to see what pain relief I can get, because I can't carry on like this!"

Adam continued: "I couldn't even get dressed this morning on my own, couldn't drive to work. I mean I can barely walk and my wrists and fingers feel like they're broken - that's no exaggeration! I wouldn't have got out of bed today if it wasn't for work. It got better throughout the day with a s**tload of painkillers! But wow… these last few days have been scary had a little cry to myself today it can just really get on top of you!"

He added: "Am not saying this for a sob story or for sympathy just trying to bring awareness to this disease and what so many others are going through - the good, the bad [and] the ugly … I'm lucky I have a great support system and not many do so to anyone who is going through the same thing and is alone; I see you you, I feel you!! It's going to get better. Don't give up. If you know anyone who's suffering just give them a call and check in."

His post was met with supportive messages from his followers on the platform this week, with some fans recounting their own experiences with arthritis. Adam later reshared his post on his Instagram Story on Thursday and expressed gratitude for the support he's received. Beside a red heart emoji, he wrote: "Thank you to everyone who has checked in and sent some lovely messages and shared some advice ... it doesn't go unnoticed."

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.