‘I’m too sick to chase Strictly dream’
MARTINE McCutcheon has turned down big money to appear on Strictly Come Dancing due to bad health.
The former EastEnders actress has been top of the BBC dance show’s hitlist for many years.
But Martine, 41, told how suffering from depression, ME and Lyme disease has prevented her from signing on the dotted line.
The Love Actually star said: “Out of all the reality shows I would have absolutely loved to have done Strictly, but I would have struggled with my health.
“Even people who are really, really fit have told me it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever done so I know it wouldn’t EXCLUSIVE JAMES INGHAM Showbiz Editor have been possible. I never felt I would be well enough to return to music after all my health problems with ME and Lyme disease.
“I am fit and well at the moment but while I am healthy I want to concentrate on the things I love the most, like music.”
According to TV sources, Martine has once again been offered a sixfigure sum to put on her dancing shoes.
The Perfect Moment singer was declared bankrupt in 2013 with debts of £187,000. But despite her money woes, Martine has always rejected the big bucks on offer from the Strictly bosses.
She added: “I have been offered Strictly numerous times and a few of the others.
“I was offered so much money at one point which would have made a huge difference, but it just isn’t for me.
“I don’t want to let people in 24/7. I think people who do them are so brave and I love watching them, but I don’t think they are for me.”
Despite ruling out joining this year as a contestant, Martine hopes to appear as a performer.
The married mum-of-one has just relaunched her pop career. Her new album Lost and Found is due to be released on August 11.
Martine added: “Maybe I can go on to Strictly this year and sing. That way I can have my Strictly cake and eat it.”
The Daily Star Sunday can exclusively reveal Pointless host Alexander Armstrong has also turned down a Strictly slot.
The presenter and singer, 47, said: “I’ve been offered Strictly but it’s not for me. I have enough things keeping me busy at the moment, including a new album which will be released in time for Christmas.”
Celebs rumoured to have been signed up include Ruth Langsford, Alexandra Burke, Matt Goss, Joe Wicks and Samantha Womack.