Paul Hollywood turns down Strictly place

Paul Hollywood has reportedly turned down the chance to appear in the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.

According to the Mirror the Great British Bake Off host had been in talks to take to the dancefloor, after missing out on the chance to appear in 2012.

However the paper reports he has rejected the offer in order to spend more time with his 11-year-old son Josh, following the breakdown of his marriage to wife Alexandra - as well as focus on other work commitments.

"Paul is putting his family first," a source told the paper.

"He is determined to make time for his son, Strictly is not an option. Despite problems off screen, his career is on the rise."

Paul is set to return to screens in another series of Bake Off later this year, as well as working on the follow-up to his books Paul Hollywood's Bread and How To Bake.

However his personal life has also recently hit the headlines, following reports of his close relationship with Marcella Valladolid, his co-host on the US version of Bake Off.

Speculation is already rife over who might be taking part in Strictly when the series returns in the autumn.

Those tipped to be heading for the ballroom include TV presenter Anneka Rice, actress Donna Air, footballer Michael Owen and former X Factor winner Joe McElderry.

Cheryl Cole is also being rumoured as a possible candidate, following the success of Girls Aloud bandate Kimberley Walsh in the 2012 series.