BBC star confirms he’s turned down place on Strictly as he takes a swipe at show

Daran O'Briain has rejected the opportunity to take part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, which would have seen him return to the BBC one year after Mock The Week was brutally axed from BBC Two.

The comedian and TV presenter, 51, joked about the show during a gig at the Paddy Power Comedy Festival, where he revealed that although he has no plans to ever take part, he does use the possibility as a way to threaten his teenage daughter.

He joked: "I have a 15-year-old daughter, which is a glorious thing. I'm so proud of this young lady and what she's becoming; strong and powerful and fierce.

"But f*** me – strong and powerful and fierce – I've got f***ing nothing in this battle. I've been reduced to saying 'stop it, stop it' in this disciplinary battle – 'stop it, or I will go on Strictly Come Dancing and you will watch me dance'.

"I will dance hard and I will get to Latin week. I will 'cha cha cha'. I can never do the dancing show. That will never happen."

Dara also took a swipe at the show's "curse" which has seen a number of celebrities cheat on their spouses with their dance partners, as he quipped: "Strictly Come Dancing is everywhere in the world.

"But Britain is the only country in which the celebrities f*** the dancers."

And although Dara may have ruled himself out of appearing on Strictly, a couple of other stars are rumoured to have already signed contracts to join the upcoming series.

Actor and comedian Les Dennis is among those reportedly set to appear on this year's Strictly, with a source telling the Mail On Sunday: "The viewers are going to love Les. He is a TV icon and now he will be dancing on one of the most popular shows around.

"He might be about to turn 70 but he is a showman and he will be great entertainment for those watching at home. There is genuine excitement about Les taking part."

And actress and Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards is also rumoured to have joined this year's line-up.

A TV insider told the Mirror: “Brenda is a dream signing. She has a huge fanbase from Loose Women and the talent to go all the way. She also has a very emotional backstory – the nation adores Brenda.”

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