Bristol-born TV star confirms they're 'in talks' to appear on Strictly (2025)

A Place In The Sun star Craig Rowe is hoping for a shot at lifting the glitterball trophy this yea

A former This Morning star has confirmed he's in discussions to join the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. TV personality, Craig Rowe, is eager to strut his stuff on the dance floor after embarking on a fitness journey following a health scare that prompted him to overhaul his lifestyle.

The A Place In The Sun host, who was born in Bristol, was cautioned by doctors about his increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes due to his weight. Heeding medical advice, he revamped his life by reducing his intake of sweet treats, sugar, and alcohol, while also committing to regular exercise six times a week and adopting a healthier diet.

Reflecting on the medical advice he received, he remarked two years prior: "I know firsthand sadly how diabetes can affect you as my late grandad had suffered from diabetes, as had his brothers.

"I've now learnt that diabetes is two to four times more likely to affect Black or Asian people as it does white people."

With a goal to lower his blood sugar levels, he made big lifestyle changes. He shared: "Just four months after my initial doctor's visit, I returned for a check-up and my blood levels had significantly dropped to 30, which is within the normal range, though still at the higher end. I was overjoyed."

Now, he's looking to take his journey to the small screen, with his agent in talks with various reality shows.

He shared with The Sun: "There's definitely been a little bit of a rumble that I felt from some of them. We've spoken to Strictly and nothing's happened yet, but talks are very much happening. Obviously, Strictly is the one that is gold standard."

Craig, with roots extending to Wales and Jamaica, has graced our screens on QVC, Sky Travel, and CBBC, and has also worked behind the camera in production at the BBC.

He is proud of his origins in Bristol although he relocated to London in his twenties, along with his younger sister, yet remains tightly connected to his birth city.

In a interview with Bristol Live back in 2022, the entertainer expressed his love of the city: "Even though I left Bristol a long time ago, it's still very much part of my life."

Recounting his experience introducing his partner to the city's infectious energy last year, Craig said: "We had a really good weekend, and he really fell in love with the city as well which is brilliant."

Before securing his gig on A Place In The Sun, he couldn't hold back his excitement about possibly joining the show, saying: "I know it's a cliché to say but A Place in the Sun is a dream job because I've always liked travelling, I've had an interest in property since my mid-20s and obviously I've worked in TV, so it was like the three things coming together."