Denise Van Outen has revealed she turned down a chance to present Strictly Come Dancing – and believes it was one of her best career moves.
The 48-year-old entertainer was asked by the late Strictly legend Bruce Forsyth to co-host the show alongside him, but declined as she thought it sounded “really boring”, and Tess Daly later landed the job.
Speaking on The Matt Haycox Show podcast, the actress and presenter admitted she initially regretted the decision when the BBC show became a huge hit, but said she “wouldn’t have had as varied a career if I had taken it”.
No thanks: Denise Van Outen has revealed she turned down a chance to present Strictly Come Dancing – and believes it was one of her best career moves
The TOWIE narrator shared how glad she is now that she’s been able to have more diverse opportunities in her career, while 53-year-old Tess is “firmly connected” to the show and hasn’t branched out as much as Denise.
The former Big Breakfast presenter, who has performed in Chicago’s West End and Broadway, competed alongside James Jordan on Strictly herself and finished runner-up in 2012.
She explained to Matt, “I was offered Strictly Come Dancing. I knew Bruce Forsyth really well. And I did a few shows with him.
Job offer: The 48-year-old entertainer was asked by the late Strictly legend Bruce Forsyth to co-host the show alongside him but declined as she thought it sounded ‘really boring’ and Tess Daly later landed the job
“We used to sing together. And he came up to me and approached me to be a sidekick on the new Strictly Come Dancing.
“He said to me, ‘There’s this show, it’s all ballroom, it’s going to be celebrities. I want to open the show with a song and dance with you and end it with you’ – because he knew I danced and sang.
“And I remember sitting there and going to him, ‘Bruce, it sounds really boring.’
Decision: Speaking on The Matt Haycox Show podcast, the actress admitted she initially regretted the decision when the BBC show became a huge hit, but said she “wouldn’t have had such a varied career if I had her.” would have taken”.
No regrets: The TOWIE narrator shared how she’s now glad she’s been able to have more diverse opportunities in her career, while 53-year-old Tess is “firmly associated” with the show
Denise is then about to add that although she initially regretted her decision, the star noted that she was glad she said no as it allowed her to pursue other career paths.
She continued, “So they gave it to Tess Daly. And then it became a big hit and I thought maybe I was an idiot to turn that down.
“But looking back, Tess did it so well for many years, but somehow she does, and she’s connected to it.
“And then I’ve gone on to Broadway, I’ve done film, I’ve done theater in the West End — I’ve done so many other things.”
Achievement: The former Big Breakfast presenter, who has starred in Chicago’s West End and Broadway, competed alongside James Jordan on Strictly herself and finished runner-up in 2012
Opportunity: “I was offered Strictly Come Dancing. I knew Bruce Forsyth really well. And I did some shows with him’
She added: “I wouldn’t have had such a varied career if I took it. So it worked for me.”
Tess has been the co-host of Strictly since 2004. She hosted with Bruce before he left in 2013, and Claudia Winkleman joined in 20914 as her co-star. Bruce died in 2017.
It turns out Denise’s new man Jimmy Barba makes her laugh like no other guy she’s ever met, friends say.
Sources have told M that the property developer, 55, – who previously had a career as a stand-up comic – arrived at the “perfect moment” for TV presenter Denise.
The stunner recently split from her ex Eddie Boxshall after leaving him eight months ago.
Reflection: “So they gave it to Tess Daly. And then it became a big hit and I thought maybe I’m an idiot who turned that down.
Good choice: “But looking back, Tess did it so well for many years, but somehow she does it, and she’s connected to it.”
The insider said: “Denise has had a really difficult few months since breaking up with Eddie. She wanted to give herself time to trust again, and that was a tough process after everything that had happened when things fell apart with Eddie.
“But then she met Jimmy and it just felt right. He makes her laugh out loud, he is a very funny, charismatic and outgoing guy and makes Denise laugh like never before.
“He makes her laugh and they are very happy together. It’s obviously very early, but it’s very clear that Jimmy has a crush on Denise.
Jimmy has already created a “Highlights” page on his Instagram account dedicated to Denise, and friends say he’s not shocked or bothered by the attention she’s about to get.
Loved up: Denise’s new man Jimmy Barba has been revealed to make her laugh like no other guy she’s ever met, friends say
Perfect: Sources have told M that the property developer, 55, – who previously had a career as a stand-up comic – has arrived at the “perfect moment” for TV presenter Denise
“Jimmy has been in and around showbiz long enough so he’s a good fit for Denise,” added a pal.
“He was in Big Brother in Italy many years ago and almost won the show. Once out of the house, he toured Italy making nightclub openings and personal appearances. He is well used to the life on the red carpet, which is where Denise exists. Jimmy loves to be outside and have fun.
The couple have been together for a few weeks after being introduced by a mutual friend and went public with their romance at the 12th Annual Grand Prix Ball.
Sad times: Denise caught ex Eddie sexually flirting with three women and described his behavior as ‘disrespectful and devastatingly hurtful’ (pictured together in 2016)