Sunday Mirror

Martine’s set for an Albert Square dance

Strictly bid to lure ex EastEnder

- BY HALINA WATTS Showbiz Editor

STRICTLY bosses are so desperate to lure Martine McCutcheon they’re dangling a six-figure sum to get her on the dancefloor.

The ex-EastEnder has been hotly tipped to strap on her dancing shoes for the past few series.

A source said: “Strictly really want her on the show, she is a household favourite and the public love her.”

But Martine, 41, has told how ill health has stopped her doing the physically demanding show before now.

She 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 say it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever done.

“I was offered so much money at one point.” Martine suffered from depression and ME, but her health has improved so much she recently made a pop comeback. She has a single out, Say I’m Not Alone, and her fourth album Lost and Found is released next month.

So glitterbal­l chiefs believe the time could finally be right to sign her up.

Martine – who showed off a short new crop this week – suggested she could sing on the BBC dance contest if they fail to clinch a deal. Our source continued: “Martine would love to be a part of the show. If they can’t convince her to be a contestant she may end up singing.”

After her Enders character Tiffany died in a car accident, Martine launched a pop careers and starred as Hugh Grant’s girlfriend in hit film Love Actually.

Stars lined up for Strictly, which starts in August, include This Morning host Ruth Langsford and singer Alexandra Burke.

 ??  ?? TUMMER HOLIDAY Star’s trim figure LOVE BOAT Happy couple STEPPING UP Martine is said to be keen ROMANCE With Casper SINGER Ellie Goulding looks like she has recovered from the exhaustion that forced her to take a break from music. The 30-year-old showed off her toned figure when she took a dive off the back of a boat sailing near the Italian island of Capri. Halcyon Days star Ellie looked like she was enjoying some halcyon days of her own on holiday in the Mediterran­ean with her latest beau Casper Jopling. The songstress was in great spirits as she cuddled up to the posh 24-year-old fitness instructor. They are said to have become an item in March soon after her split from David Beckham’s bodyguard and personal trainer Bobby Rich. Before that, Ellie enjoyed an on-off two-year relationsh­ip with McFly star Dougie Poynter, 29. The pair split in 2016, citing their globe-trotting schedules as the cause. Looks like Ellie has learned to prioritise her life to keep her relationsh­ip shipshape.
TUMMER HOLIDAY Star’s trim figure LOVE BOAT Happy couple STEPPING UP Martine is said to be keen ROMANCE With Casper SINGER Ellie Goulding looks like she has recovered from the exhaustion that forced her to take a break from music. The 30-year-old showed off her toned figure when she took a dive off the back of a boat sailing near the Italian island of Capri. Halcyon Days star Ellie looked like she was enjoying some halcyon days of her own on holiday in the Mediterran­ean with her latest beau Casper Jopling. The songstress was in great spirits as she cuddled up to the posh 24-year-old fitness instructor. They are said to have become an item in March soon after her split from David Beckham’s bodyguard and personal trainer Bobby Rich. Before that, Ellie enjoyed an on-off two-year relationsh­ip with McFly star Dougie Poynter, 29. The pair split in 2016, citing their globe-trotting schedules as the cause. Looks like Ellie has learned to prioritise her life to keep her relationsh­ip shipshape.

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