Happy Mondays dancer Bez is reportedly in talks to be a contestant on this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing.
Bez – real name Mark Berry – has been a permanent fixture in the veteran band as a dancer and percussionist for many years, but he also has previous in reality television: most notably his victory on Celebrity Big Brother in 2005.
- READ MORE: 11 geeky facts about Bez
According to The Mirror, Bez is now being sought by bosses at Strictly to appear in their 2019 series, which is expected to begin in September. So far, radio host Chris Evans has been confirmed as the only name on this year’s line-up, although comedian Alan Carr has also been mooted as a potential candidate.
The Mirror‘s report cites a source who referenced Bez’s controversial 2018 appearance on another BBC show Bargain Hunt, where the 54-year-old broke the rules of the contest.
“Yes, the ending of Bargain Hunt had to be re-shot but everyone took it in good humour. And Bez paid back his ill-gotten £8 winnings, so he is still in good favour,” the source claimed.
“The Bargain Hunt cheating scandal was talked about everywhere, even Gogglebox. If anything, it made the show. Everyone knows Bez would be a ratings hit on Strictly.”
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Back in 2016, Bez claimed that he could “go all the way” and win Strictly if he were asked to participate: “Dancing has made me famous and entertaining people is what I do best. I’ve lost count of the number of blokes who’ve come up over the years and said, ‘Thanks for making it OK for indie guys to get on the dance floor’.”
Bez’s Happy Mondays bandmate Shaun Ryder claimed back in October that he’s also been asked if he wanted to go on Strictly – but producers apparently stalled on the deal over fears that Ryder would swear on live television.