Phillip Schofield knocks back 'untrue' Strictly Come Dancing rumours

Phillip Schofield
(Image credit: Getty Images for Huawei)

It's a shame, but we won't be seeing Phillip on the Strictly dancefloor anytime soon

Phillip Schofield has denied reports that he’s in talks to take part in Strictly Come Dancing 2020.

There were excited claims over the weekend that the This Morning star would be one half of the show’s first ever same-sex couple.

Strictly Come Dancing logo

(Image credit: BBC)

It’s been previously claimed that the makers of Strictly are keen to have a same-sex pairing for the first time in the show’s history.

In its last series Dancing on Ice made UK TV history with a same-sex pairing - Ian ‘H' Watkins from Steps and professional skater Matt Evers.

Ian 'H' Watkins and Matt Evers on the ice for Dancing on Ice 2019

Ian 'H' Watkins and Matt Evers making TV history on ITV show Dancing on Ice (Credit: Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

And, of course, Phillip is the host of Dancing on Ice. But a spokesperson told RadioTimes.com that the claims were simply “untrue”.

“He’s not in talks with the BBC,” they explained.

So, with Phillip Schofield ruling himself of the running, the rumours will continue about who might be in the show’s first same-sex couple. Had he taken part, Phillip would surely be one of the favourites to lift the famous glitterball trophy.

At least one thing we do know is that Strictly Come Dancing will be going ahead. “The Strictly Come Dancing team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of Strictly magic later this year,” said a spokesperson recently.

Adding: “To ensure we deliver the high standards audiences know and love, and in light of the ongoing considerations around COVID-19, this year’s series of Strictly will have a slightly shorter run than usual.

“The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course.”

Strictly Come Dancing will be shown on BBC1 this autumn. However, it will return for a shorter run that normal. And it won't have Phillip Schofield on it!

David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.


Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 


David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.


Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!