Former
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Former I’m A Celebrity contestant Jake Quickenden is reportedly in “advanced talks” to join the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The reality TV veteran first rose to prominence on The X Factor in 2012.
He returned to the singing competition two years later and left during the live shows when the fifth contestant was eliminated. Since then her television career has flourished, including finishing runner-up on I’m a Celebrity in 2014.
In 2018, Jake won a trophy at Dancing on Ice with professional skater Vanessa Bauer. Now, it has been reported that the newly-single star has become a top contender among Strictly producers, who are keen to bring excitement to the dance floor when the program returns.
Sources say Jake’s profile at the BBC has been strengthened following his casting in football drama Jamie Johnson’s FC. “Jake has caught the attention of the Strictly punters,” an insider revealed.
Speaking to The Sun, he continued: “He’s funny, hunky and known to be an all-round nice guy. He’s an actor and singer, so is a natural performer. And he’s won Dancing on Ice, so he’s clearly got the moves.”, reports. mirror.
The source said it would be a “good time” for Jake after recently ending his four-year marriage to Sophie Church.
Two years ago, Quickenden commented: “I don’t think there are very many people who have gone from Dancing on Ice to Strictly, but if it ever came to that, I’d love to do it.”
Should Jake put pen to paper this year, he will join EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, who is the first celebrity to be confirmed, as well as Love Island’s Dani Dyer, who is returning after being forced to bow out last year.
The former Love Island star and wife of West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen spoke about her return, saying: “I’m so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I can’t wait to put my dancing shoes back on, and hopefully this time I can actually make it past the first week!”.
“I’m so excited and can’t wait to find out who else is doing it!” Meanwhile, Lacey Turner spoke about her decision to take part: “I’m so excited to be on the dance floor this year to be part of Strictly Come Dancing! I’m a huge fan and I can’t believe I won’t be watching at home this year and taking part! I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”.
Amid the turmoil, insiders suggest that the show will have a new look when it returns. The dance floor is expected to get a redesign, with producers currently considering whether to change the iconic backdrop, which has become a familiar sight to viewers.
The current studio, George Lucas Studios in Elstree, has brightly colored panels, lights and various screens. However, sources suggest that it could turn into a larger screen showing the visuals throughout the performance.
A source previously told The Sun, “It’s natural that bosses are looking to give the show a brand new look as it enters a new era, but they’re not abandoning the show’s traditional delivery of the way it is presented.”
Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment when contacted by the Mirror.
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