Michelle Keegan ‘rules out Strictly and replacing Holly Willoughby as Celebrity Juice captain to focus on big dramas’
Michelle Keegan has reportedly ruled out starring in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and replacing Holly Willoughby as Celebrity Juice captain.
The actress, 32, is said to have been a front runner for the BBC dance competition and a ‘dream signing’ for Holly’s replacement after she quit after 12 years on Celebrity Juice earlier this month.
But Michelle, who has just finished her role as Sgt Georgie Lane in BBC’s Our Girl, is reportedly solely focused on ‘big dramas’ and not interested in following in her husband Mark Wright’s footsteps by joining the Strictly line-up.
Not for me! Michelle Keegan has reportedly ruled out starring in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and replacing Holly Willoughby as Celebrity Juice captain (pictured in February)
A source told The Sun: ‘Michelle loves Strictly and enjoyed supporting Mark when he competed in 2014 but the show is just not on her radar right now.
‘There are so many more pressing things in the pipeline that she’s more passionate about, like big dramas.
‘She’ll always be Strictly’s number one fan, but as for competing, it’s just not going to happen. Michelle wants to be known as an actor.’
Actress at heart: Michelle, who has just finished her role as Sgt Georgie Lane in BBC’s Our Girl, is reportedly solely focused on ‘big dramas’
MailOnline has contacted Michelle’s representatives for comment.
Celebrity Juice host Keith Lemon (real name Leigh Francis) previously said he would love Michelle to replace Holly.
He said: ‘Michelle is number one. She’s a Northerner and very down to earth.’
Keith admitted he nearly quit Celebrity Juice after he was left ‘gutted’ over Holly’s shock exit.
Keith and Holly, 39, started presenting the show in 2008 alongside Fearne Cotton, who left in 2018- meaning Keith is the last man standing from the original lineup.
Keep dancing! Michelle’s husband Mark Wright starred on the 2015 series of Strictly and was partnered with Karen Hauer
The comedian has now revealed how Holly delivered the new via phone and he thought she was pregnant.
Keith added that Holly told him it was ‘like breaking up with a boyfriend’ and she has left the show to spend more time with her family. She has children Harry, ten, Belle, nine, and Chester, five, with husband Daniel Baldwin.
He told The Sun: ‘I was really sad and realised I was going to miss her. I’m gutted, she was like my TV sister.
‘She’s welcome back any time. I’ll properly miss her.’
All over: Keith and Holly, 39, started presenting the show alongside Fearne Cotton, who left in 2018, in 2008 – meaning Keith is the last man standing from the original lineup