Phillip Schofield responds to reports he's signed up for Strictly Come Dancing's first same-sex couple
Reports have been rife
Over the last few weeks it has been heavily reported that popular This Morning host Phillip Schofield has been in talks with BBC bosses about him becoming the first celebrity to be paired in a same-sex couple on Strictly Come Dancing.
It was reported that Phillip, who revealed he is gay in a heartfelt statement back in February, will take part in the 2020 series alongside a male professional.
However, after the rumours emerged, a spokesperson for Phillip has now shut down the reports, telling the Radio Times, "He is not in talks with the BBC."
Of course, reports were also rife earlier this year that Phillip could jump ship over to the BBC, when his current ITV contract ends in 2021, with reports suggesting he could leave his presenting role alongside Holly Willoughby on daytime show This Morning.
Despite this, the 58-year-old responded to a fan on Twitter saying he's not leaving the show, and now it's been confirmed he will return to host the brand new series of The Cube later in the year.
Check out the full rumoured line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2020 below:
Chris Whitty
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.
Gregory Piper
Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Carrie Symonds
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."
Cheryl
After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Maya Jama
TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.
Alan Carr
Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Although the 2020 series is yet to be officially confirmed, due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, bosses are reportedly doing everything in their power to ensure the popular dancing show takes place in the Autumn.
Speaking last week, long-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood revealed how the show could work with new measures.
Craig told Best magazine that the celebrity contestants will isolate at a hotel for two weeks before filming starts, adhering to quarantine guidelines, and joked that the dance partners won't be as "intense" as usual as they won't be living together.
He said, "The rule is the dancer can go back to their home, and the celeb to either their home or a hotel.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. We’re lucky to be getting Strictly on the road at all. People need Strictly – and it’s happening – come hell or high water."
Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return later this year.