Will.i.am: I’d hip-hop across to Strictly
WILL.I.AM wants to go on Strictly – but only if they let him breakdance to hip-hop music. The BBC contest is known for its classic ballroom routines. But The Voice judge Will says it would be a better show if they ditched the traditional format. In an exclusive chat, he said: “Strictly is specific to a certain genre. And I’m not one of those ballroom guys. “You ain’t gonna see me do the tango. I don’t do the tango. “And I couldn’t take part if that’s what was expected because I don’t do things I can’t do. I wouldn’t twerk on TV either. “But if it was breakdancing, then I would definitely do it.” Strictly has been running for 13 years and it still pulls in 12milllion viewers, making it TV’s top reality show. But Will reckons it’s about time it had a revamp and also a change of name. He said: “They should make it Strictly Come Pop Lockin’ and Up Rockin’. “If they did that I’d agree to do it. And if it was tap dancing, I could do that too.” Getting Will to take part in this year’s series would be a coup for show bosses.
The Black Eyed Peas frontman has become one of the biggest stars on the box. And it’s likely he would help the show attract even more viewers when it goes into battle against The X Factor this autumn. Producers are pulling out all the stops to get the best celeb line-up in the show’s history. Stars rumoured to be taking part include Goggleboxers Steph and Dom Parker and This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford.
A show source said: “Bookers are still looking for a few big names to make this series must-see TV. And Will would be just perfect.”
There will also be three new sexy professional dancers this year – Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova and Amy Dowden.
The panel is changing for the first time in five years following Len Goodman’s decision to quit as head judge. He is set to be replaced by Shirley Ballas.
Bitchy Craig Revel Horwood has already warned that he plans to go to war with Shirley when the live shows hit our screens in September.