This Morning presenter Dermot O'Leary appeared on Good Morning Britain earlier than usual on Tuesday to discuss his new children's book, Wings Of Glory, but the conversation quickly turned to Strictly Come Dancing. Co-host Ben Shephard asked O'Leary if he receives an annual call from the BBC show, to which he replied, 'No, never,' before admitting it had happened once.
Shephard pressed for details, and O'Leary revealed the approach came 'a couple of years ago.' He explained, 'I took lunch with them because a few of my mates work on the show, who I respect greatly and I think they're brilliant.' When Shephard quipped, 'So you let them buy you lunch and then said no?' O'Leary laughed and confirmed, 'I offered. I love the show but I just don't want to do it.'
The former X Factor judge has shared dance clips on Instagram while recording his BBC Radio 2 show, fuelling speculation about a potential stint on the dance floor. However, O'Leary made it clear he has no plans to compete in front of judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke.
Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday night with the first live show. Celebrities including Bobby Brazier, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams and Les Dennis will perform ballroom and Latin dances. The Sunday results show will also return after all 15 couples have danced.
