Stacey Dooley has called for the BBC to let frontline workers take part in this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 33-year-old documentary-maker won the show in 2018 with dance partner Kevin Clifton – who she is now dating – and she believes it would be lovely if the 2020 series turned into "the people’s ‘Strictly’" to honour those who have been working through the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking on ‘Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden’, she said: "I’ve been thinking actually, what are they are going to do?
"I was sat with Kevin [Clifton] the other day … if it was me – and I’m not privy to any information, I don’t know anything – but I would have given it to the people this year. "I would have made it the people’s ‘Strictly’.
"The frontline, the NHS workers, the post office girls. I would have given it to them. "I know, I’m not important enough to float the idea."
Amanda replied: "You’ve floated it now."
Jamie added: "Well you’ve said it now, that’s going to be a thing."
Last month, the BBC confirmed ‘Strictly’ would be back for another year, after the series had been thrown into doubt due to the pandemic, but there will be a "slightly shorter run than usual".
They said in a statement: "The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of ‘Strictly’ magic later this year.
"To ensure we deliver the high standards audiences know and love, and in light of the ongoing considerations around COVID-19, this year’s series of ‘Strictly’ will have a slightly shorter run than usual.
"The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course."