Former I’m a Celebrity finalist Vernon Kay has revealed why he’s never been asked to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC dance competition is hosted by Kay’s wife, Tess Daly, and the presenter hinted that it could be his closeness with several of Strictly’s crew that has meant he’s never been asked to appear as a contestant.
"I’ve never been asked [to take part]," he admitted to OK! Magazine. "I’m good friends with many of them – I play golf with [judge] Anton [Du Beke] So yes, maybe that’s why they haven’t asked me."
Related: Strictly's Gorka Márquez shares sweet tribute to fiancée Gemma Atkinson
Kay, who revealed he "enjoyed" watching sister-show It Takes Two with Tess, disclosed that he supports his wife during the live episodes despite being nervous that she could fall at any point.
"[Each week] I dread Tess tripping up when she comes around the corner on the stage," he revealed. "I make sure I’m watching after the titles, when Tess says ‘Hello and welcome to Strictly.’ I just want to make sure that she’s done the opening link without tripping on her beautiful gown."
The couple, who married in 2003, have two children, though Kay referred to Strictly as a "third child" who visits from "June until Christmas", adding that the family are now "programmed" for Daly’s work pattern.
Related: Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas pays tribute to Len Goodman as he exits Dancing with the Stars
The latest series of Strictly is now entering its final stages, with Tyler West and Dianne Buswell becoming the latest couple to be eliminated.
The pair exited the show after being defeated by Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in Sunday’s dance-off, which was held at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom.
"When you watch the show at home, you wonder what it must be like to dance on it, it's everything and more, it's changed my life," said West before he paid tribute to his dance partner: "But this girl here, I have been blessed with the best, she is what Strictly is about and she's changed my life, I have no doubt she will be in my life forever."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows also stream on BBC iPlayer.
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