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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Suranne Jones rules out Strictly Come Dancing appearance: ‘I don’t think I could handle the pressure’

Suranne Jones has ruled out ever competing on ballroom stalwart Strictly Come Dancing, insisting that she couldn’t “handle the pressure” of the beloved show.

The acclaimed actress is known for her roles in BBC dramas Doctor Foster, Emmy-nominated Vigil and Gentleman Jack.

Despite starring on several of the broadcaster’s shows, the 44-year-old has revealed viewers won’t see her trying to tango on Strictly.

“I do love dancing and I do love singing, but I’d only want to do it in a stage show,” she told OK! Magazine.

“I love watching Strictly, but I don’t think I could handle the pressure. The professionals are so amazing and that’s what makes it so wonderful to watch.”

Elsewhere, Jones will join a star from House Of The Dragon in the upcoming family drama Maryland.

Eve Best, 51, and Jones will play estranged sisters who travel from Manchester to the Isle of Man to repatriate their mother’s body, found at sunrise on Laxey Beach, discovering family secrets along the way.

Down to earth mother-of-two Becca (Jones) and disciplined high-flyer Rosaline (Best) also encounter their mother’s larger-than-life, spiritual friend Cathy on the island.

She is played by US actress Stockard Channing, best-known for playing Rizzo in Grease and starring in The Good Wife and The West Wing.

Best recently played Rhaenys Targaryen in House Of The Dragon and was Eleanor O’Hara in Nurse Jackie before the show ended in 2015.

Jones, also known for Coronation Street, is creating and executively producing Maryland for ITV alongside screenwriter Anne-Marie O’Connor.

The actress’ company Teamakers Productions is co-producing with Monumental Television, known for Harlots, Ghosts and Murder In Provence, an ITV Studios label, in association with ITV Studios.

Directing is Sue Tully, known for Line Of Duty, Emma Burge, known for The Village and Shameless, is producing. Maryland will film on location in Ireland.

The three-part drama will premiere on ITVX in 2023 months before being on ITV’s linear channel.

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