Danny Cipriani in a photoshoot for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2023
The BBC are reportedly keen on landing Danny Cipriani for Strictly (Picture: BBC/PA Wire)

Danny Cipriani is reportedly being lined up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The former England rugby hunk impressed producers when he was paired up with professional dancer Jowita Przystal on last year’s Christmas special, as they scored 37 out of 40.

Now, bosses are hoping to persuade him to get back on the dancefloor later this year, with him having agreed to fly over from his US home for talks.

‘Danny proved he had the moves in the one-off special and Strictly would love to have him back,’ an insider told The Sun.

‘It was an experience he enjoyed and Danny’s family and friends have been pushing him to say yes.

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‘Danny’s got Bear Hunt on Netflix out next year so he’s free and able to take part. He’s coming back to the UK for a face-to-face meeting.’

Danny Cipriani and Jowita Przystal pose on the ballroom floor during the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
Danny was paired with Jowita Przystal in last year’s Christmas special (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
Jowita Przystal poses with Danny Cipriani during the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
The pair earned a score of 37 (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

As well as Danny, it was previously claimed Nicola Roberts was also wanted for the new series following her impressive display on the Christmas special, which was won by Jamie Borthwick.

A source told the outlet: ‘Nicola is a beautiful dancer with amazing musicality. She was really impressive on the Strictly special and her waltz was beautiful. They’d love to have Nicola back and the offer is there for her.

‘She has got a jam-packed summer with Girls Aloud but Strictly think she could be amazing if she fancied a whirl.’

Danny Cipriani runs with the ball during the Rugby Union International match between England and the Barbarians
The former rugby hunk could return to the dancefloor (Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images)
,Nicola Roberts and Giovanni Pernice perform together on Strictly Come Dancing
Nicola Roberts, who was part of the 2022 festive episode, could also return to Strictly (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

Meanwhile, Homes Under The Hammer host Martin Roberts is also said to have been offered a deal to take part.

‘Martin is just waiting to sign his contract. It’ll be a dream come true for him – and a delight for viewers,’ an insider said to the Daily Star.

Martin hinted at the news at the recent TRIC awards, teasing that he needs to ‘get super fit’.

Homes Under The Hammer star Martin Roberts talks on ITV daytime show This Morning
Martin Roberts has teased the possibility of him joining the cast (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

He told the newspaper: ‘I’m like a Ninja Mutant Hero Turtle – I just eat pizzas. Domino’s Mighty Meat. I’m the stomach of Domino’s, not the face of it.

‘I should worry about what I eat because I had a health scare. I need to look after myself better. And certainly if I get this TV show later in the year. I’ll have to get super fit.’

A BBC spokesperson refused to confirm any casting reports, as they simply said: ‘We don’t comment on speculation.’

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