The two reality stars are battling it out for a place on the iconic dancefloor
With just over six weeks to go until Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens two huge names have already been tipped for the upcoming series, with Stacey Solomon and Dani Dyer reportedly preparing to put on their dancing shoes.
However, sources now reveal to Closer that bosses are worried the similarities between the two may force them to make a choice between the reality queens.
It’s been far from an easy ride for Strictly Come Dancing as the show has faced several controversies over recent years and bosses know the pressure is on to put on the best series yet.
Our source shares, ‘The date to decide the line-up is looming as celebrities need to start training in August. Strictly bosses know they need a standout year after all the controversy, and they know Stacey and Dani would fit the bill perfectly. They’re both big signings, and they’d be onto a ratings winner with them both – but they’re also worried that they could be too similar. They’re working out if there’s room for both of them.’
As Closer previously reported, Sort Your Life Out star Stacey, 35, has already been approached for the show – with an insider saying, ‘She’s been approached over the years but has always turned it down because it hasn’t been the right time. Now she feels this is too good an opportunity to miss.’
Similarly, former Love Island star Dani, 28 – who recently tied the knot with footballer Jarrod Bowen, 28 – is also said to be excited. ‘She’s thrilled at the idea of being in Strictly,’ a source revealed, adding, ‘It means she’s finally shaken off her Love Island tag.’
It would no doubt be a huge commitment for both women. Dani – who is the daughter of Rivals star Danny Dyer – is mum to son Santiago, four, from a previous relationship, and shares twin daughters Summer and Star, two, with Jarrod. Meanwhile, Stacey is mum to sons Zachary, 17, and Leighton, 12, from previous relationships, as well as sharing son Rex, five, and daughters Rose, three, and Belle, two, with husband Joe Swash, 43.
Alongside presenting Sort Your Life Out, the former X Factor star recently put her life on display in BBC’s Stacey & Joe. The ‘warts and all’ reality show was an instant hit, having been renewed for a second season – however, it didn’t come without backlash. Some viewers were left unimpressed with EastEnders actor Joe, with one fan writing, ‘Gosh, he is not coming across well.’
Now, our source reveals, ‘Strictly like to have an array of celebrities, and both Dani and Stacey come from reality shows, are from Essex/East London, have kids, are popular with mums, and seem very down to earth. Stacey has the better relationship with the BBC, but she’s had a lot of backlash over Stacey & Joe – whereas Dani could be seen as a fresher option to bring in a new audience. It’s also great when they get popular female contestants who haven’t had any dance training. That’s getting harder and harder to find – but neither Stacey nor Dani have a dance background, which will endear them to fans even more.’
For Stacey, Strictly is an opportunity she’s long thought about. Insisting she’d ‘never say never,’ the star once laughed, ‘I have no rhythm when it comes to movement. I have rhythm with singing or listening to music, but when it comes to moving my feet, I’m left-footed! But I am obsessed with the show. I would love to learn a new skill like that.’
As for Dani, insiders have revealed that she’s more than ready to take on the Strictly challenge. ‘She’s bubbly, down-to-earth and straight-talking,’ they shared, ‘not to mention the added bonus of having Jarrod and her dad Danny in the audience supporting her.’
While Strictly bosses decide who will make the final cut, we’re told neither Stacey nor Dani want to face the chop. ‘Both women feel that it’s now or never and are prepared to fight for a place on the show as they know it’ll really help elevate their careers,’ the source reveals. ‘If they don’t do it this year, then next year there could be other work commitments, family commitments, or even more babies! But if bosses can secure both women, then it looks like it could be a classic Strictly year.’
