Linford Christie turned down Strictly due to 'two left feet'

Ex-Olympic star Linford Christie turned down Strictly Come Dancing, claiming he is 'the only black guy you’ll meet with two left feet'.

The former British sprinter also said there are 'far too many'reality TV shows and said people 'want their 15 minutes of fame'.

Athlete Linford Christie training in 2004.

Sprint coach Linford Christie trains during the TeamGB Olympic holding camp in Paphos, Cyprus (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

Asked about the last show he turned down, Linford told Radio Times magazine: “Strictly. I didn’t fancy it because I’m not a good dancer.

“I’m the only black guy you’ll meet with two left feet. I spent so much time training in my youth that I missed out on dancing. I’d love to be able to dance.”

Asked what makes him turn off the TV, the Olympic gold medallist said: “Reality shows. There are far too many.

“I know I did I’m A Celebrity, but they’re part of that growing intrusive popular culture. People want their 15 minutes of fame, but they don’t realise it affects their lives forever.”

Meanwhile, yesterday a spokeswoman for Jamie and Louise Redknapp said they will not be appearing on the next series of Strictly.

Jamie and Louise Redknapp are not doing Strictly, their spokeswoman said.

Jamie and Louise Redknapp arriving for the 2014 Arqiva British Academy Television Awards (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Reports suggesting that the husband and wife duo were in advanced talks to join the line-up of the BBC1 dance show were said to be incorrect.

“The story reported is completely untrue. Jamie and Louise are not appearing in Strictly this year,” the spokeswoman told the Press Association.

Former This Morning presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton, singer Peter Andre, EastEnder Shane Richie and Loose Women’s Jamelia are among other names being mentioned in connection with the new series.

Last year’s series was won by Caroline Flack, who beat celebrities including Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge and EastEnders actor Jake Wood to win the glitterball trophy.