Cheryl Baker says she’s repeatedly been turned down by Strictly Come Dancing — despite applying for a spot on the beloved BBC dance show year after year.
The 71-year-old Bucks Fizz singer and TV personality revealed in a new interview that she contacts producers annually in hopes of joining the glittery ballroom contest, but has never received the call-up.
“I’d love to do Strictly. I always put myself up for it every year, and they always say no, which is a great shame,” she told Slingo. “I love dancing — I’m not a trained dancer, but I love it.”
Known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981 with Bucks Fizz’s iconic “Making Your Mind Up,” Cheryl continues to perform with a spin-off group of the original band. But the performer is eager to expand her reality TV appearances and would jump at the chance to join other hit shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! or The Traitors.
“I would love to go do I’m a Celebrity — I would love that,” she said. “I would also love to do The Traitors. When I knew there was going to be a celebrity one, I contacted my agent and said, ‘Get me on it!’ When she told me they’d already cast it, I was gutted.”
She added that with the current state of British television, reality shows have become the main entry point for entertainers to stay visible and relevant.
“That’s the way TV has gone. If you don’t want to be on any of those shows, it really limits what you can do — because that’s what’s on TV now.”
Cheryl also expressed her wish for a revival of the iconic music show Top of the Pops, which was axed in 2006 after over four decades on air.
“I miss Top of the Pops — I wish they’d bring it back. All the young artists now, they’ve got a televisual platform to show how good they are.”
While Cheryl may be struggling to land a place on Strictly, her enthusiasm and love for entertainment remain as strong as ever.
