Steph McGovern in red and pink blouse on Steph's Packed Lunch today
TV

Strictly 2022 bosses ‘hoping to sign Steph McGovern’ as she breaks silence

Another name rumoured!

With Strictly Come Dancing 2022 around the corner, there’s more names thrown into the mix for the line-up.

The latest famous face who bosses are reportedly hoping to sign up is daytime star Steph McGovern.

Steph, 40, hosts her lunchtime programme Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4 and has since broken her silence on the rumours on her show.

Steph McGovern in red jumpsuit at Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards
BBC bosses reportedly want Steph for Strictly 2022 (Credit: Ik Aldama/picture-alliance/Cover Images)

Strictly 2022 – who’s taking part?

According to reports, BBC bosses want to sign up Steph for the 2022 series because they think she’s the “perfect choice”.

Read more: Claudia Winkleman teases exciting Strictly news: ‘If I’m allowed to say that?’

A source has told The Sun: “Steph has the personality and profile which makes her a perfect choice in the eyes of Strictly producers.

“They completely understood why she’s had to say no in the past. She was just establishing Packed Lunch on Channel 4 and wanted to give that her complete attention.”

Steph McGovern wearing peach blazer on Steph's Packed Lunch
Bosses reportedly think Steph is the “perfect choice” (Credit: Channel 4/YouTube)

Steph McGovern news

The insider added: “But now it is a firm fixture in the schedules. It was nom-inated for a Bafta earlier this year and only last month it was announced it had been recommissioned and will run into 2023.”

A rep for Strictly declined to comment when approached by ED!.

On Monday’s edition of her programme, Steph addressed the reports as she said: “I’ve turned it down in the past, never say never.”

Strictly judge Anton Du Beke said on the show: “If you did Strictly Come Dancing now, after me asking you to dance it with me for about 12 years and you saying no, now that you’d dance it with one of the young, firm boys… I’d be your worst judge ever.”

Steph McGovern in red and pink blouse on Steph's Packed Lunch today
Steph addressed the reports on her show today (Credit: Channel 4)

What did Steph say about Strictly?

Steph quipped: “You see, the thing is, that’s what holding me back.

“I would worry you’d be too compromised because you’d want to give me 10 all the time.”

She added: “It is funny these rumours in the paper, you do wonder where they come from.

“Although I’ve been trying to get it out of Anton who’s going to be on it this year and he’s like ‘No, I’m not telling you!'”

Gordon Ramsay in suit with his wife Tana at GQ Awards
Bookies reckon Gordon will do Strictly this year (Credit: John Rainford/Cover Images)

Fellow guest Denise Van Outen then asked: “Are we watching this space then, Steph?”

Steph replied: “Never say never.”

A string of names have been rumoured for Strictly 2022.

Bookies have placed odds on celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay doing the show. Gordon would be following in his daughter Tilly‘s footsteps as she took part last year.

YouTube video player

Meanwhile, other names thrown into the mix include Scarlett Moffatt, Jake Quickenden, Gino D’Acampo and Helen Skelton.

Read more: Who is Wendy Crozier in Coronation Street? What happened between her and Ken Barlow?

The 2022 series will return later this autumn.

Anton will return to the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.

Who should take part in Strictly 2022? Head to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)