A new Saturday night programme where celebrities take part in a gymnastic competition alongside professional athletes is prompting a surge of interest in the sport, according to the manager of a gymnastics academy in Kent.

Chantelle Harman, of the Next Dimension Gymnastic Academy (NDGA) in Tunbridge Wells said there has been a noticeable surge in enquiries about joining weekly classes since the Commonwealth Games and the premiere of BBC's new show Tumble.

The programme features Olympian Louis Smith as a judge, and contestants including Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, who is partnered with Sevenoaks gymnastics coach Leon Fagbemi, Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins and TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh.

Chantelle added: “Since the BBC Tumble programme was broadcast, more and more people have had the opportunity to see and engage with gymnastic sport.

"The celebrities aren’t your typical gymnasts and I think this has inspired people and made them want to participate in the sport.”

This summer’s Commonwealth Games saw England top the medals table, with 16-year-old gymnast Claudia Fragapane also winning four gold medals, the first Englishwoman for 84 years to do so, which Chantelle believes is another factoring inspiring more people to become involved in gymnastics.

British gymnastics chief executive officer, Jane Allen said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our sport that will enable people to view gymnastics in a whole new entertainment light.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our sport that will enable people to view gymnastics in a whole new entertainment light" - British gymnastics chief executive officer, Jane Allen

"It’s been rewarding for British Gymnastics to work with the BBC in providing technical support and we’re all looking forward to seeing the star cast enjoy the challenges of our sport.”

BBC Commissioning Executive, Rachel Ashdown said: “These celebrities are combining aeriel, acrobatic and gymnastic skills to deliver breath-taking performances that you’d expect from the department that also produces Strictly Come Dancing.”

The NDGA’s weekly class for adults takes place every Tuesday in Longfield Road between 8.00pm-9.00pm. They will be supervised activity sessions designed to increase fitness and teach basic gymnastics skills.

To book your place on the Tuesday class, please contact NDGA on 01892 550 530.