Olympic rower James Cracknell ‘signs up for Strictly Come Dancing’

Olympic rower James Cracknell has reportedly signed up for Strictly Come Dancing.

The gold medal winning athlete is said to be a part of this year’s line up of celebrity contestants.

The Sun claims that James is set to compete in the 2019 series after splitting from his wife earlier this year.

He had reportedly turned down the show in the past because of their relationship.

“James has always been interested in doing some reality TV but after getting offered Strictly Come Dancing last year Beverley [his wife] put her foot down,” alleged a source.

They added: “Now they’re not together, James wants to go on the show. He thinks it will be good for his profile. He’s not signed the contract yet but everyone’s keen.

While we may see James on the Strictly dancefloor this year, another sports star has ruled out the show.

It was rumoured that Harry Redknapp could be on Strictly this year after winning I’m A Celebrity.

The football manager triumphed in the jungle in 2018 and recently appeared on his own ITV series, Harry’s Heroes.

However Harry says it won’t be happening.

“The BBC bosses sent over a dancer to put me through my paces for a day, but it’s not for me,” he told the Daily Mirror newspaper. “No chance. It’s a great show but I can’t dance to save my life.

“Even if [I’m a Celebrity’s] Fleur and Emily gave me some lessons, I’d still be hopeless.”

Other names linked to Strictly this year include Happy Mondays performer Bez, model Vogue Williams, former England manager Sam Allardyce and Blue Peter’s Radzi Chinyanganya.

Yet more celebs tipped for Strictly Come Dancing are Tamara Ecclestone, Chris Evans and Popstars Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton.

Meanwhile, this year’s Strictly Come Dancing will also feature a shake up on the judging panel.

A spot on the Strictly panel opened up this week when Darcey Bussell made the surprise announcement she was quitting.

Darcey has been a judge on Strictly for seven years, sitting alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas.

Strictly Come Dancing typically starts in September on BBC One.