Nick Hewer turned down Strictly Come Dancing offer

Nick Hewer turned down Strictly Come Dancing, he has revealed.

The host of Countdown and former aide to Lord Sugar on The Apprentice says he “wouldn’t last a minute” on the BBC One series.

Speaking to the Press Association, Nick quipped when he was asked about signing up: “Quite frankly, I’d prefer to undergo a three-month course of root canal treatment.”

He explained: “I’ve been to see the show live and it’s brilliant, the effort and athleticism of it is beyond me. I wouldn’t last a minute. It’s incredible.”

And Nick added: “I didn’t want to be stitched into a yellow satin shirt, which is what tends to happen.”

Instead of Strictly, Nick says he’s “devoted” to continue hosting Countdown, describing the Channel 4 series as an “absolute institution”.

He said: It rolls on and it’s as solid as a rock. We’re very proud of it. It’s very worthwhile, decent. It’s not flashy, it’s not extravagant, there are no big-money prizes, people aren’t shouting, it’s quite a cerebral thing.

“Everybody has watched it at one point or another in their life. Children bouncing on their mum’s lap coming back from school, students watching, then people go off to work and don’t watch it, then when they retire they watch it, so it’s wonderful.”

Other celebs to have turned down Strictly include Nick’s former fellow helper on The Apprentice, Karren Brady.

Lord Sugar’s right hand lady said she’s been asked to take part on Strictly – and other shows – all the time.

“I got asked to a cooking show when I can’t even cook! I’ve been asked to Strictly a number of times. Every year actually,” Karren said.