Mark Clattenburg for Gladiators S3 / BBC
Former football referee Mark Clattenburg is reportedly in talks about appearing on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
During his career the 51-year-old officiated some of the top domestic, European and global games before his retirement in 2017 – and since 2024 he has been the lead referee on the BBC’s revival of Gladiators.
Speaking about his potential turn on Strictly, a show source told The Sun: “Clatts manages to appeal to young and old, families, children and football fans – plus he’s easy on the eye for the mums.
“That amazing fan base is a major bonus, the sort of thing the BBC is always keen to utilise. No final decision has been made yet but if Clatts doesn’t make the cut this year, he’ll remain a target.
“The lineup is shaping up nicely but there are a few spots left.”
Seven celebrities for the new series have already been confirmed – Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Dani Dyer, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best and Dame Sarah Storey – with the remainder due to be announced in the coming weeks.
