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Tommy Cannon may join Strictly as oldest contestant at 78

Rumours are circulating that this 78-year-old celeb could be heading to the ballroom...

Strictly Come Dancing could be about to sign up their oldest ever contestant, with the news that comedian Tommy Cannon could be rocking his way into the ballroom.

At 78 years old, Tommy – who makes up half of the comedy duo Cannon and Ball alongside best pal Bobby – would be the oldest celeb yet to take part in the talent show.

In fact, he would be 79 by the time this year’s show started.

And the funnyman is no stranger to reality TV, having previously taken part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, as well as the celebrity version of Coach Trip.

If the rumours are true, Tommy would be the oldest contestant to take to the Strictly dancefloor, beating previous septuagenarian celebs including actress Lesley Joseph (who was 70), magician Paul Daniels (72) and spin-off show host Zoe Ball’s TV presenter dad Johnny Ball, who was 74 when he competed back in 2012.

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“Tommy would be brilliant on the show and it’s quite exciting that he would be the eldest ever to appear.

“Everyone remembers him from his glory days – especially the older Strictly audience.

“If he did get signed up, it would obviously be on condition of passing a medical like every other celeb to see if they could take the hours of training.”

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Tommy and his best pal Bobby Ball – famous for his braces and “Rock on Tommy” catchphrase – have been in showbiz for more than 50 years.

They had their own TV series during the 80s and Bobby – who took part in a Strictly Christmas Special in 2010 – has since gone on to star in sitcoms including Mount Pleasant and Not Going Out.

Other stars rumoured to be taking part in this year’s 15th series are former England captain Frank Lampard and Gogglebox poshos Steph and Dom.

The boozy B&B owners entertained viewers of Let’s Sing and Dance for Comic Relief last month, when they dressed up as Cher and Meatloaf to perform a duet.

A BBC spokesman said: “We do not comment on speculation.”


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor