Legendary 80s singer 'lined up for Strictly Come Dancing after bosses spent years trying to get the popstar to sign up'

A legendary singer is reportedly being lined up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

According to reports, show bosses have spent ‘years’ trying to get the popstar to sign up to the BBC dancing show and are hopeful this is the year.

And if bosses are successful then he’ll no doubt shake up the dancefloor as Shakin’ Stevens is bound to be popular with fans.

Known for his classic festive hit Merry Christmas Everyone, the 75-year-old music veteran – real name Mike Barratt – has been one of the top targets for the BBC for years.

A source told Daily Star: ‘Bosses have spent years trying to get Shaky on the show and are hopeful he’ll finally say yes.

Exciting times: A legendary singer is reportedly being lined up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing

‘Shakey is considered a national treasure and is certain to be popular.’

The source added: ‘Bosses are hoping he can be the older contestant who surprises everyone. His hip shaking on the Top of the Pops is legendary!’

Shakin’ was one of the UK’s biggest-selling singles artist of the 1980s, popular for his Elvis-inspired look and rock ‘n’ roll influenced music.

He has three children and five grandchildren, and lives with his wife Sue in Marlow, Bucks.

Earlier this year, he recalled overhauling his lifestyle after suffering a heart attack years previously.

He told Femail: ‘I had a heart attack in July 2010. I’d been picking up bags of stones, and I knew something was wrong. I fell asleep and didn’t wake up. Luckily my wife Sue gave me CPR and called the ambulance.

‘It was a huge wake-up call: I gave up smoking and drinking, and I started looking into my family history, which I knew nothing about. What I discovered was shocking.’

Shakin’s Strictly news comes after the show reportedly lined up Loose Women star Sophie Morgan to be the show’s first ever wheelchair-using contestant.

Could it be? if bosses are successful then he’ll no doubt shake up the dancefloor as Shakin’ Stevens is bound to be popular with fans

Legend: Known for his classic festive hit Merry Christmas Everyone (pictured), the 75-year-old music veteran – real name Mike Barratt – has been one of the top targets for the BBC for years

Finger’s crossed: ‘Bosses have spent years trying to get Shaky on the show and are hopeful he’ll finally say yes

The presenter, 38, is paralysed from the chest down following a car accident aged 18.

And show bosses are said to be keen to get her on the BBC show, believing that she’s the ‘ideal’ star to join, while also ‘very glamorous’ to rock the sensational costumes.

A source told The Sun: ‘She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes.

‘She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It’s still very early ­stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months.’

It comes after the popularity of the show’s first deaf participant, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won the contest in 2022 and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, who made it to week six last year.