Strictly Come Dancing logo© BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2023: TV star invited to star in upcoming series

The comedian opened up about being invited onto the show

TV & Film Editor
April 14, 2023

A TV star has revealed that he has been invited to take part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing - but turned the offer down. 

Comedian Jack Dee, who previously appeared on Lead Balloon and won Celebrity Big Brother back in 2001, opened up about the invite on his Oh My Dog podcast, which he co-hosts with former Strictly star, Seann Walsh. 

WATCH: Seann Walsh in 60 seconds

He said: "I had a phone call. My agent said I’d been asked to do Strictly." Seann, who found himself at the centre of controversy after being snapped kissing his dance partner, Katya Jones, joked: "Oh my God. Jack, can I just tell you, it does wonders for your career!" To which Jack continued: "The first thing I said was ‘I’ll ask Seann what his advice would be.’ And she said ‘I’ll take that as a no in that case.’ I said ‘It’s probably a safe bet, yes.’" 

Seann replied: "No, not at all. That is not what I would say. I would say ‘Absolutely go for it.’ I think you’ll be fantastic."

© Tim P. Whitby

Chatting about his reasons not to take part, Jack continued: "I can’t help but pay attention to the evidence of what has happened to various people I know who’ve done the show." 

He also referenced Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman’s show The Traitors, saying: "I had two thoughts on it, cos obviously everyone loves Claudia Winkleman and she’s everywhere, she’s great, but I thought they should consolidate all the shows that she does so you have a thing where people come on and dance and then members of the public will ring in and vote for who they want to have murdered."

LATEST: Exclusive interview with Ola and James Jordan on Ella's tantrums

READ MORE: Oti Mabuse wows in strapless wedding gown for stunning new photos

Although the show has yet to reveal the upcoming line-up for 2023, stars including Sophie Morgan, Amy Nuttall and Emma and Matt Willis are rumoured to be taking part. 

Don't want to miss a story? Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter and get the heads-up on the shows and films everyone’s talking about.

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more