HE'S ALREADY tried his hand at singing, now Hull FC star Kirk Yeaman is swapping rugby boots for dancing shoes.
The 29-year-old England international is staging his own version of the BBC's Saturday night hit television show Strictly Come Dancing.
The event at Hull City Hall on Tuesday, April 9, is the latest part of Yeaman's testimonial year at the club and follows on from his X-mas Factor show in December.
Yeaman will be joined by seven of his Hull team-mates, including FC captain Danny Houghton, Richard Horne, Tom Briscoe, Danny Tickle and Tom Lineham, as well as Hull KR player Graeme Horne.
The group have been put through their paces for the past month in the build-up to the big day as they learn the difference between a sashay and a scrum.
And Yeaman says fans will be in for a surprise at the quality on show.
"For rugby players, I am surprised how good some of the lads actually are at this kind of dancing," Yeaman said.
"We've been practising for the past few weeks with our dance partners and you can already tell who the favourites are going to be.
"It's all a bit of fun, but we are competitive guys and you can tell some of the boys are taking it very serious.
"Danny Houghton has known about this event for some time and I think he's secretly been practicing his dance moves in front of the mirror for months now."
Called Strictly Yeamo, the event is one of the last of Yeaman's testimonial events as the centre celebrates 12 years in the Hull first team.
The former Great Britain player is Hull's record try-scorer in the Super League era, but is currently out the side after breaking his thumb in a game.
"It's been more difficult for me than the rest of the boys, with my hand strapped, but I'm not making excuses, honestly," added Yeaman, who will be attempting a cha-cha-cha on the night.
"I think I was more cut out for the singing than the dancing, but these events are all about having some fun with the fans and it will certainly be fun for them to watch.
"I know we've sold a lot of tickets already and, even now, I'm still taken back by the support the fans have shown me during my testimonial.
"They've got behind every event and it is very humbling.
"It's been an honour and a privilege to play for so many years at Hull FC and having these events only reminds me even more how great rugby fans in this city are."
Tickets for Strictly Yeamo can be purchased from the Hull City Hall Box Office or by calling 300300.
Tickets are priced £12 adults, £6.50 under-16s.
• Picture gallery: Strictly Yeamo with Hull FC stars
