Strictly Come Dancing contestant Joe Sugg has admitted he nearly turned down the chance to appear on the show.
The 26-year-old has divided viewers after he was announced this week as one of the celebrities taking part in the new series of the BBC One competition.
While younger viewers are thrilled the YouTuber has signed up, older fans have admitted not knowing who he is…
It’s led to a fierce debate about whether Strictly’s made a genius decision to bring in somebody who will pull in new, younger viewers, or whether they’re wrong to sign a celebrity not everyone has heard of.
Joe, who is the brother of internet sensation, has more than eight million YouTube subscribers and many millions of followers across his various social media channels.
Read more: First pictures from inside Celebrity Big Brother’s new house
In a new YouTube video posted this week, Joe admitted he initially wanted to turn down Strictly bosses’ offer but was swayed to sign on after getting a “taster” session of dancing.
He said: “Back at the start of the year I got approached and asked if I wanted to be on the show. I won’t lie, I walked in and in my mind I couldn’t ever imagine myself doing something like this. I’d be way too scared and terrified, I can’t dance, I’ve never danced sober in my life!
“I thought I’d go in, meet them and get to know them and probably then politely decline as I can’t dance, I’m terrified of big crowds, anything that’s live, dancing…
“But I left the meeting thinking, ‘I actually might do it!’ I really enjoyed it.”
Joe explained he’d asked for a “taster session” before signing the contract as he wanted to get an idea of what the show would be like before agreeing to take part.
“I went for a taster session to try it out and see how I got on and it was okay,” he said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmc87tihknF/?hl=en&taken-by=joe_sugg
“I left feeling a little more confident and thought if I was training every week doing this, then it will be fine, surely? Surely if you’re putting that many hours into it you’ll learn something?”
But Joe added: “I didn’t say yes to doing it immediately. I only signed the contract last week!”
Joe shared video footage of himself signing the contract online and shouting: “Oh man, what have I done? Oh my God, there’s no backing out now! I’ll have to start going to the gym, I can’t drink anymore, that’s for sure!”
He added: “It’s a massive decision for me.”
The star said the thought it was a “once in a lifetime opportunity” swayed it for him.
Joe added he’s particularly excited as his grandparents love Strictly and although they understand his YouTube fame, he’s eager for them to see him “on a platform they’re more familiar with.”
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
Five contestants have been announced for Strictly 2018 so far.
Alongside Joe, we’ll see television presenter Katie Piper competing with Capital FM DJ Vick Hope, Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules and Steps member Faye Tozer.
Do you think Joe Sugg is a good signing? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!