Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing 2021 line-up: Chris Whitty ‘top of the list’ to join cast after being ‘household name’
Yes, you read that right – Strictly Come Dancing show bosses are said to be keen to sign up England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty for the 2021 series.
The line-up surprises don’t end there, as they are also considering his deputy Jonathan Van-Tam – who was previously backed for Strictly by pro dancer Janette Manrara – and Kate Bingham, chair of the UK vaccine task force.
‘18 months ago Chris Whitty, Jonathan Van-Tam and Kate Bingham were utter unknowns,’ a show insider said.
‘Today they’re practically household names. After all the doom and gloom of Covid, it would be brilliant viewing to get one of these three out of their suits and into some sparkles.
‘Chris is top of the list, and discreet enquiries will be made over the next few weeks.’
Strictly bosses were also thought to be considering the possibility of signing up Health Secretary Matt Hancock, but such a move has been shelved due to his ‘hectic schedule’.
‘Unfortunately, it’s been made clear Matt Hancock’s hectic schedule won’t allow for a weekly waltz – so he’s been ruled out,’ the insider added to The Sun newspaper.
In February, Janette backed calls for Deputy Chief Medical Officer Van-Tam to appear on the 2021 Strictly series.
‘If we had Ed Balls, we’ve had Ann Widdecombe then why not. Bring him on,’ she said.
And the 37-year-old star – whose husband is fellow pro Aljaž Škorjanec – has also thought of the perfect partner for Jonathan, her fellow Strictly dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
‘It comes down to height and styles. I feel like he could be really good in ballroom because he’s quite elegant,’ she added.
‘And he’s quite tall but definitely taller than me so I know I’m out of the picture straight away.
‘I think I would put him with Nadiya because she’s a classy, beautiful woman. She’ll take him through all the ballroom really lovely. She’s a gorgeous ballroom dancer.’
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in the autumn.
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