In a surprising revelation that could see politics meet performance, former House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has expressed serious interest in joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing. The iconic BBC broadcaster, known for his distinctive voice and parliamentary rulings, appears ready to trade the dispatch box for the dance floor.
From Parliament to Performance
The 61-year-old, who served as Speaker between 2009 and 2019, confirmed his unexpected career ambition during an interview with Sky News. When directly questioned about whether he would participate in the beloved BBC dancing competition, Bercow responded with characteristic clarity: "The answer to that is yes."
Bercow, whose parliamentary career spanned over two decades, has already demonstrated his comfort in the entertainment spotlight. Following his departure from politics, he made a memorable appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2023, where he proved popular with viewers and finished in a respectable fifth place.
A New Chapter in Broadcasting
Since leaving the political arena, the former MP for Buckingham has embraced media opportunities with enthusiasm. Beyond reality television, Bercow has established himself as a regular broadcaster, hosting programmes on Times Radio and making frequent appearances as a political commentator.
His distinctive vocal style, familiar to millions from his time overseeing heated parliamentary debates, could soon be heard offering rather different commentary - perhaps discussing foxtrots and cha-cha-chas instead of Brexit and government legislation.
The Strictly Appeal
Strictly Come Dancing has become known for its diverse casting, frequently featuring personalities from outside the entertainment world. Former contestants have included:
- Politicians and political journalists
- Sports personalities
- News presenters
- Reality television stars
Bercow's potential participation would continue this tradition, bringing someone with extensive experience of performing under pressure, albeit in a very different context. His background in managing contentious debates might prove surprisingly useful when dealing with the nerves of live television and critical judges.
The former Speaker confirmed that while he hasn't been formally approached by Strictly producers yet, he would seriously consider the opportunity if it arose. This openness to new challenges characterises his post-political career, which has seen him embrace opportunities that would have been impossible while serving as an MP.
As Strictly Come Dancing continues to evolve its lineup each season, the potential addition of John Bercow would certainly bring a unique flavour to the 2024 series. Viewers might soon witness the man once responsible for maintaining order in Parliament attempting to master the paso doble or perfect his posture in the tango.
