England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty is reportedly top of the BBC's wishlist for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 54-year-old has become a familiar face on TV screens over the last year as a regular part of the government's coronavirus briefings from Downing Street, where he has become known for his "next slide, please" catchphrase.
According to The Sun, Strictly producers are keen to have a "hero of the pandemic" as part of this year's lineup and are targeting Whitty, his deputy Jonathan Van-Tam and vaccines chief Kate Bingham as possibilities.
"Eighteen months ago Chris Whitty, Jonathan Van-Tam and Kate Bingham were utter unknowns," a source told the newspaper.
"Today they're practically household names. After all the doom and gloom of COVID, it would be brilliant viewing to get one of these three out of their suits and into some sparkles.
"Chris is top of the list, and discreet enquiries will be made over the next few weeks.
"Obviously it's all dependent on where we are on the R rate, but landing a star of the pandemic is the goal."
Good Morning Britain weather presenters Alex Beresford and Laura Tobin are also thought to be on the shortlist for the new series, which is due to begin on BBC One at the end of September.
Neil Wilkes
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