This Morning chef and restaurateur Gino D'Acampo has been revealed as the latest star name under consideration for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. The hit BBC show, which started in 2004, will reach its 20th series in 2022.
Show bosses are said to be keen to get the chef on board. And they are keen to line up celebrities who have “sex appeal”, “humour” or appeal to younger audiences, the Mirror reports.
Gino has been linked with the celebrity dancing competition in the past. It's believed the 45-year-old has previously turned down every approach from producers because of his busy work schedule.
Although the BBC is yet to confirm if the chef will take part, a TV insider told The Sun: “But they view Gino as someone who has universal appeal, who is up for a laugh and more than capable of keeping audiences entertained. He also has serious star appeal, having been on This Morning for 13 years and winning I’m A Celebrity.”
Gino, no stranger to star-studded TV contests, was crowned winner of I’m A Celebrity in 2009. He also starred with Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix in the Road Trip series on ITV - showing off the cheeky sense of humour Strictly bosses are said to be after for their own show.
Gino has previously spoken about being invited to take part in Strictly in 2019. He said: “That show would require a lot of time and training. Who has got time for that? Not me . . . not at the moment.”
The chef recently hosted the reboot of Family Fortunes. He is on a break from This Morning until the autumn, telling presenters Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield of his plans to spend some time in Italy.
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