Footballer Muamba 'up' for Strictly

Football star Fabrice Muamba has shown how far his recovery has come after being brought back from the dead as he enjoyed a kickabout - and confessed he wants to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder collapsed in front of 35,000 fans during an FA Cup tie against Spurs seven months ago when he suffered a heart attack.

The Zaire-born player, who married at the weekend, was technically dead for 78 minutes but was brought back after repeated shocks from a defibrillator which re-started his heart.

The 24-year-old has since been forced to give up the game he loves but in an interview with the new Radio Times, he reveals he has not been short of offers now he is on the mend.

"I was approached to do Dancing On Ice, but I had to say no. That's more dangerous than football. My insurance definitely doesn't cover that. But I'd do Strictly Come Dancing. I love my salsa, so I'd be well up for that," he said.

And to show he has returned from the brink he took part in a game in Kent with children who have disabilities and special needs as part of next month's BBC Children In Need activities.

"It's only the second time I've had a chance to kick a football since I had my cardiac arrest," he said. "I'm just excited to play. I've been given a second opportunity in life."

He said he saw playing with the children as a "second chance".

But the former player, who came to the UK when he was an 11-year-old refugee, said he finds it frustrating that his health woes have stopped him from returning to a career in football.

"I always had hope I could make a comeback. I get pretty angry at the moment when I watch and can't do anything."