Good Morning Britain presenter Adil Ray has revealed he has turned down Strictly Come Dancing "a few times" and has no intention of ever taking part. The 52-year-old broadcaster made the admission on today's episode of the ITV breakfast show, where he regularly appears alongside co-host Kate Garraway.
Adil's Strictly confession
When asked why he had declined the BBC's offers, Adil said: "They (the BBC) have asked a few times. But no, it's not for me." He added: "I just can't embarrass myself, I would be terrible!"
Teasing Kate, who competed on Strictly in 2007, he said: "I watched you, and I thought, 'No, I can't do that!'"
New series lineup
Adil's comments come as the new series of Strictly prepares to launch, with a host of new presenters and professional dancers. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe will take over hosting duties following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
This year's contestants include EastEnders' Lacey Turner, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, who returns after an ankle injury cut her previous stint short, and Eurovision star Delta Goodrem. Also joining are Kim Kardashian's stylist Chris Appleton, Love Island's Cash Mercer, Big Brother presenter Will Best, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, actresses Jaime Winstone and Bethany Antonia, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, dog expert Graeme Hall, and Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb.
More names in the mix
Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters is reportedly the latest celebrity to have signed up. Known for her role as Stacey's mum Gwen West in the BAFTA-winning series, she has also appeared in Hollyoaks, Doc Martin, Casualty, and Beyond Paradise.
TV and radio presenter Roman Kemp is also rumoured to be taking part. During an appearance on The One Show, Emma Barton, who plays Honey on EastEnders, was chatting with Alex Jones and Roman about the upcoming series. When Alex mentioned that Lacey was joining the show, Emma said: "She's such a gorgeous wonderful woman and the audience are going to love her." She added: "And I'm so proud of her because it's nerve-racking, isn't it. And it's scary."
When Emma suggested Roman knew about the experience, he quickly insisted: "I have never done it. I've never done it."
