BBC bosses are said to have put Professor Chris Whitty at the top of their target list for Strictly Come Dancing 2021.
Producers are in the early stages of drafting who to target for the ratings’ juggernaut.
Thanks to his leading role in guiding the nation through the coronavirus pandemic, Chris is now a household name, despite being unknown just 18 months ago.
The British physician and epidemiologist works as Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser to the UK Government.
He has been at the forefront of the pandemic response and a regular at the daily government briefings.
A show insider let slip: “Eighteen months ago Chris Whitty, Jonathan Van-Tam and Kate Bingham were utter unknowns.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“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.”
The source added to The Sun that things are still up in the air due to the nature of the pandemic, but Whitty is the prime target.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
They alleged that Health Secretary Matt Hancock was also initially a target but he’s already been ruled out due to his schedule.
Bookers are set to start approaching talent within the next two months.
A rep for Strictly declined to comment.
Previous government figures who have taken to the BBC One dance floor include Conservative MP Anne Widecombe and former Former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Ed Balls.
Balls famously left the nation stunned after performing kooky online hit Gangnam Style in 2016.
Last year’s series of Strictly received record ratings despite countless restraints due to the pandemic and social distancing.
Katya Jones and her celebrity partner Nicola Adams also were forced to drop out after Katya tested positive for the virus halfway through the series, despite all stars being placed in bubbles to try and limit possible infection.
Strictly Come Dancing 2020 was won by comedian Bill Bailey and his partner Oti Mabuse.
The feat made him the oldest ever winner at 55-years-old and hoped to turn Oti into a back-to-back champion.
During the live final, Bill beat EastEnders actress Maisie Smith and Gorka Marquez in lifting the Glitter Ball.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
