Strictly Come Dancing 'in talks' to sign famous Gladiators star for new series

Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly in advanced discussions to bring back former football referee and Gladiators star Mark Clattenburg for its upcoming season, according to multiple reports. The BBC, which oversees the popular dance competition, is considering adding Clattenburg to its lineup of celebrity contestants, following in the footsteps of other high-profile names such as EastEnders actress Lacey Turner. Clattenburg, 51, is best known for his career as a football referee in Europe’s top leagues before retiring in 2017. In 2024, he gained renewed public attention through his role as a referee analyst in the BBC’s reboot of the Gladiators format. His involvement in the show sparked both admiration and controversy, particularly after he was linked to a heated debate involving Nottingham Forest and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. In late 2024, Clattenburg took on the role of referee analyst for Nottingham Forest, tasked with evaluating the performance of officials and assisting the club in responding to controversial decisions. This led to a public dispute when the club’s social media team issued a statement criticizing VAR official Stuart Attwell for perceived bias toward rival Luton Town. The statement, which followed a loss to Everton, drew widespread criticism, prompting calls for Clattenburg to step down from his position. As a result, the Football Association and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited launched an investigation into the claims of bias against Attwell. While Clattenburg was not directly implicated in the allegations, the controversy surrounding his association with the club raised questions about his suitability for roles that require impartiality. Despite the fallout, Clattenburg has continued to work within the BBC, appearing in the revived Gladiators series. Other notable figures from the original Gladiators franchise have also joined the dance show, including Fire, whose real name is Montell Douglas, and Nitro, known as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Both have participated in previous seasons, with Douglas partnering with Johannes Radebe and Aikines-Aryeetey finishing in the top ten. Additionally, Dani Dyer, the daughter of Rivals star Danny Dyer, has returned to the show after recovering from an injury that forced her to withdraw earlier in the year. Dyer expressed excitement about her return, stating she is eager to participate in the competition again and hopes to reach the early stages of the contest. Confirmed participants for the new season include Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrum, Will Best, Cach Mercer, and Chris Appleton. The BBC has not yet commented on the ongoing discussions regarding Clattenburg’s potential inclusion, though the outlet has been approached for clarification. With several spots still available in the lineup, the show continues to attract a diverse range of personalities, blending entertainment, sports, and television history. As the countdown to the new season begins, fans await further announcements about the final cast.