A former Strictly pro has tipped one royal couple for the BBC dancefloor in 2025. Erin Boag, who won the Glitterball trophy with Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson in 2006, reckons viewers could be treated to an appearance by Zara Tindall and husband Mike when the show returns at the end of 2025 for its 21st series.
They wouldn’t be the first couple to take a spin at the same time as Gabby and Kenny Logan did it in 2007. Mike is no stranger to reality TV after his stint in the I’m A Celeb jungle in 2022 and Erin says it would be ‘great’ to have some ‘big names’ on the show in 2025.
Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Erin said: “I feel like we need to get some big names in there, some really big names – that would be great. Put somebody a little different, someone from the Royal Family would be nice, Zara Tindall, or even better, Mike! Mike Tindall versus Zara Tindall.”
But Erin, who appeared on Strictly from 2004 – 2012, warns former rugby star Mike might face some tough challenges despite his previous sporting career, unlike Olympic showjumper Zara. She added: “Mike’s quite big though. I’ve danced with rugby players. One big, one nimble. It depends on their size.
“I first danced with Martin Offiah, I mean Jesus, he was known for his speed. But he was also known for his bulk. Then you get somebody like Austin Healey, and Matt Dawson did it well. They both played winger and because they’re known for their nimbleness and they’re small, they were both phenomenal. The Tindalls would be great.”
Erin also backs former Christmas special partner Barry McGuigan – who recently won the hearts of viewers with his own turn in the I’m A Celeb jungle – to take on the full series, reminding fans he would ‘know how to train’ and is still ‘very fit’ despite being in his 60s.
Erin said: “I’d love Barry McGuigan to take part for the whole series, he only did the Christmas special [with me]. He threw me around, he was a strong man. The great thing about Barry McGuigan and his background is he was very nimble and very quick and actually quite a good dancer. So he would be great. It would be nice to see him back doing it.
“We’ve had boxers before, I mean, we had Joe Calzaghe and I was expecting the best from him, but I was disappointed. He had no coordination! Somebody like Barry McGuigan would be great and also I know he’s in his 60s but he is fit and able and smart. He would know how to train, and he would be great. He’d also be very, very likeable.”
Erin, the pro partner of Strictly judge Anton Du Beke, also revealed a huge clue suggesting Bake Off star Paul Hollywood is about to put his dancing shoes on.
Erin suggests Paul has shown an active interest in joining an upcoming Strictly cohort after recently appearing in the audience.
She says celebs who are keen on taking part “often come and have a look first” before they commit to signing up to the Strictly ballroom, noting he appeared to have ‘a good time’ watching.
She added: “There’s some great people out there. Well, I did wonder when I saw Paul Hollywood there in the audience recently. Sometimes [prospective celebs] come along to have a bit of a look first. They really do! He seemed to have a good time watching. Hello, Paul Hollywood?”
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