Back in February, Dawn French shared the real reason she reportedly “turned down” an opportunity to be a part of “Strictly Come Dancing,” and it has a lot to do with her career.
Dawn French, who moved to Cornwall in 2006, is probably best known for her amazing performances and writing talents on everything from The Vicar of Dibley to French and Saunders. She’s beloved by millions of fans for her witty turn-of-phrase and impeccable comedic timing. Her ability to bring warmth and humor is what makes Dawn French such an icon.
Over the years, she’s also showcased her talents as a novelist, but now it seems that many of her career’s most memorable moments could have been why she’ll never be on one of the UK’s most beloved programs.
During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, French shared the red sofa with Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe. He and John Whaite were finalists on the show in 2021 after wowing fans week after week. Ultimately they placed as runners-up after Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice were crowned as that year’s champions.
However, it seems neither Johannes nor any of his other Strictly professionals will have a chance to have their dance teaching skills tested by Dawn anytime soon. Digital Spy reports that the writer, actor, and comedian explained that she feared people would expect her always to be “the funny one.”
She reportedly said, “I might have been asked to do Strictly, but I fear I would be regarded as the funny one and made to do silly things.”
Dawn revealed that instead of being asked to do “silly” dances after being typecasted a certain way, she’d want to take competing on Strictly more “seriously.”
“I take dancing seriously and I would like to do proper dancing,” she is said to have continued.
While it hasn’t been confirmed, Dawn’s revelations would suggest that she’d been approached to become involved with Strickly in the past but chose to turn it down.
In light of her incredible comedic works and stellar career, this seems that Dawn feels this could influence people to expect a more comedic tone to the show, which may take away from any Strickly performance.
However, many fans are keeping their fingers crossed that Dawn might one day change her mind. After all, comedian Bill Bailey defied similar expectations to go on to win the hit show with his partner Oti Mabuse in 2020.
But while Strickly may not be in Dawn’s immediate future, she did reveal that she’s been preparing for something pretty exciting later this year.
“There are no plans at the moment,” she said when asked about a French & Saunders reunion, but it seems Red Nose Day(opens in new tab) and Comic Relief will be getting some Dawn and Jennifer magic in 2022.
“But we are doing something for Comic Relief this year. I think the time for the sketch show is over, but Jen and I are like kids when we get together and have lots of fun thinking about it – the likes of Line of Duty, Killing Eve and The Crown are just begging for it!” Dawn declared.
With that on the card, it looks like Dawn French fans have a lot left to look forward to in 2022!
In the video below, you can watch an interview with Dawn French speaking about her dance background.
You can also watch the entire Graham Norton show episode featuring Dawn French and Channing Tatum in the video below.
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Sources:
- “Dawn French reveals the real reason she’s ‘refused’ to do Strictly Come Dancing” Goodto.