Michelle Keegan reveals the REAL reason she turned down ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

Michelle Keegan
Michelle Keegan admitted why she wouldn't go on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Former Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan has revealed the reason why she turned down Strictly Come Dancing despite being asked 'a few times'.

The Our Girl and Brassic actress appeared on last Saturday’s (Dec. 4) episode of The Jonathan Ross Show where she admitted the real reason why she wouldn’t compete in Strictly Come Dancing. 

“I have a few times [been asked]. But for me, it’s the live audience… it’s a skill. It takes a lot of dedication and skill.”

Her husband, TV personality Mark Wright, went on the series in 2014 and came fourth.

“He [husband Mark Wright] did it like 5 years ago. It’s the music before it happens and the audience is really quiet and the lights come on. My heart was in my mouth for him. I couldn’t be on the dance floor, too scared, too nervous.”

Mark Wright on Strictly Come Dancing

Mark Wright took part in 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2014. (Image credit: BBC)

Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show about which role she’s most proud of role since leaving Coronation Street Michelle said: “I’d say Our Girl just because I was away from home for a long time. 

"One of the seasons I did I was living away for eight months. I was in Nepal, Malaysia, South Africa. I had a great time, I was lucky, but it was hard to be away from home.

"It was really physically demanding. I think acclimatising was really hard. So hot and a lot of kit on, that was really hard. And the medical side, learning all the medical side of the job as well.” 

Asked if she’d return, Michelle added: “Yeah. The door’s been left open for Georgie anyway, so I definitely would. Georgie’s storyline with Elvis came to an end. It felt the right time for her to step back. But I would love to go back.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday at 7:05pm on BBC1. For full listings — see our TV Guide.

The Jonathan Ross Show airs this Saturday at 10:05pm on ITV. For full listings — see our TV Guide.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.


You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!


Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.