Ugo Monye has signed up for 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Ugo Monye
The retired rugby union star - who represented England 14 times and made more than 240 appearances for Harlequins - is said to be ready to step onto the ballroom dancefloor for the upcoming series later this year.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Ugo can’t wait to get out on the dancefloor and show off his moves.
“He’s not known for his dancing, but he isn’t afraid of a challenge.
“Ugo became friendly with Jamie [Laing] when they worked on a travel show together in 2019 and after seeing how much he loved the experience, Ugo jumped at the chance."
Jamie's run to the final last year is said to have inspired Ugo, while Beeb bosses are keen to capitalise on his new team captain position on 'A Question of Sport'.
The insider added: "Ugo is very much a rising star at the BBC.
"He is a captain on the revamped 'Question Of Sport' and getting a turn on 'Strictly' will help boost his profile even further.
“'Strictly' bosses think he is a great signing and, who knows, maybe he’ll be as good at the waltz as he was on the wing.”
Show judge Craig Revel Horwood - who will return to the judging panel in 2021 along with Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and pro dancer Anton Du Beke - recently revealed England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, who has advised Prime Minister Boris Johnson throughout the coronavirus crisis, tops his wish list of contestants this year.
He said: "It’s going to be interesting to see if he is a contestant.
“What do they say? It’s not over until the Fat Lady sings.”
Pro dancer Anton usually partners one of the stars on the show, but this year he'll be on the panel in place of regular judge Bruno Tonioli, who will have to stay in the US to be a judge on 'Dancing with the Stars'.
'Strictly Come Dancing' returns for its 19th series this autumn.
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