Nineties comedy legend says he’s turned down big money offer from Strictly Come Dancing as he ‘can’t take it seriously’
DAVID Baddiel has revealed that he turned down a BIG money offer for Strictly Come Dancing because he ‘can’t take it seriously’.
The best-selling author had already disappointed I’m A Celeb bosses who tried to get him on the ITV show two years ago.
Now, the telly star has shared that he declined the Strictly offer because he wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face.
He told fans: “I have been asked to be on Strictly.
“There are many reasons why I said no, but the main one was knowing I would never be able to say, unironically, things like ‘I just can’t wait to dance the Pasodoble’.”
David previously discussed his choice not to participate in I’m A Celebrity, revealing that it was difficult for him to decline what appeared to be a big offer.
High-profile stars such as Boy George, Seann Walsh and Matt Hancock were reportedly taking home up to £400,000 for their time in the Australian jungle.
Back in 2022, David admitted that he was contacted about joining the show, but it wasn’t his cup of tea.
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “In the past I’ve been offered I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here but if I were to have a personality transplant and do it and then was asked, like various contestants did to Matt Hancock last night, why I was doing it, I would say, without a seconds thought, ‘For the money’.”
In response to a comment asking about the amount offered, the comic replied, “A substantial amount, I must admit. It did sting a bit to decline, that’s all I’m saying.”
His comments come as the show struggles to get people to sign up for the latest series after the recent controversy surrounding the show.
Over the last couple of months, the show has been rocked by Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima‘s alleged misconduct in the BBC rehearsal room.
Bosses have implemented drastic measures to safeguard the celebrity participants after Graziano was axed for allegedly spitting at and kicking his reality TV partner, Zara McDermott.
Giovanni, 33, was investigated after allegedly working Amanda Abbington so hard in rehearsals that the actress was diagnosed with mild PTSD.
He ended up quitting the show.
The two incidents have caused potential female participants to hesitate in signing up for the new series.
A TV executive told the Mail: “Usually it is the women who are more keen. Not only is it an opportunity to get dressed up but appearing on Strictly is also much more fortuitous for females’ careers than men’s.
“But word has got around that it isn’t exactly a walk in the park, so getting them has a been a lot more challenging.
“There have been many conversations about how this is dealt with but the immediate problem is this year’s cast… There has been lots of swearing and frustration.”
On Wednesday, The Sun reported that a third pro dancer has been identified as a “person of interest” amid the investigation into Strictly.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.