Tim Peake 'being lined-up' for Strictly Come Dancing 2016

Bosses are keen for the British astronaut to take to the dance floor 
New role: Tim Peake is the 'dream' contestant
Sascha Steinbach/Bongarts/Getty Images
Emma Powell9 August 2016

Tim Peake could be about to launch his showbiz career with a stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

The British astronaut is the “dream” contestant for BBC bosses, according to reports.

Producers are looking to sign him up for the forthcoming series – but his recent return to Earth could prove problematic.

A source told The Sun: “He was obviously huge this year and would be a dream signing.

“But considering the man is on something like a two-year rehab to get walking properly, we might have to wait until next year to see him do the paso doble.”

Peake is currently undergoing treatment to recover his loss of muscle strength after orbiting the Earth in zero gravity on the International Space Station.

The reports come a day after former shadow chancellor Ed Balls was confirmed to take part in the BBC ballroom show.

Balls - who will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of 2015 winner Jay McGuinness - revealed he is terrified of the gruelling training and is currently working on improving his fitness ahead of the show’s launch later this year.

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 – rumoured line-up

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Speaking to Chris Evans on the Radio 2 breakfast show, he said: "From the beginning of September, I'm definitely going to be doing 12 hours a week training but everybody says I'll have to do quite a few more hours than that."

Laura Whitmore, Daisy Lowe, Will Young, Ryan Thomas and Louise Redknapp are among the rumoured names to be added to the line-up in the coming weeks.

Follow @StandardEnts for more entertainment news.

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