Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly eyeing up former I'm A Celebrity star Jake Quickenden to join the upcoming series. The singer and actor is said to be in 'advanced talks' with the BBC, alongside already-confirmed contestants Lacey Turner and Dani Dyer.
Jake Quickenden's Reality TV Journey
Jake Quickenden first rose to fame on The X Factor in 2012. Two years later, he returned to the talent show and became the fifth contestant eliminated from the live shows. In 2014, he competed on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, finishing as runner-up. Four years after that, he won Dancing On Ice with professional skater Vanessa Bauer.
Now, the newly-single star is reportedly a firm favourite among Strictly bosses, who are hoping he will bring his dance experience to the ballroom when the show returns later this year.
Source Claims
A source told The Sun: "Jake has caught the eye of the Strictly bookers. He's fun, hunky and known as an all-round nice guy. He's an actor and singer, so is a natural performer. And he won Dancing On Ice, so has clearly got the moves." They added that it would be "good timing" for Jake following the breakdown of his four-year marriage to Sophie Church.
Two years ago, Quickenden said: "I don't think there's been many people that have gone from Dancing on Ice to Strictly, but if it ever came around, I'd love to do it."
Confirmed Contestants
If Jake signs on the dotted line, he will join EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, who was the first famous face announced, and Love Island's Dani Dyer, who is returning after being forced to withdraw last year.
Dani Dyer, wife of West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen, said: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on, and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Lacey Turner added: "I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
Show Revamp
Amid the shake-up, sources claim the show will have a fresh new look upon its return. The dance floor is likely to undergo a makeover, with bosses deciding whether to change the iconic backdrop. The current studio at Elstree features bright coloured panels, lights and screens, but this could switch to larger screens displaying visuals during routines.
A source told The Sun: "It was natural that bosses look at giving the show a whole new look as it enters a new era, but they aren't ditching the traditional presentation of the show, just the way it is delivered."
Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment when approached by the Mirror.
