'Dirty Dancing' remake was a 'tough decision'

Kenny Ortega has said that he is ready for the challenge of remaking '80s classic Dirty Dancing.

Ortega admitted that he struggled to decide whether or not to helm the remake, which was announced earlier this week by Lionsgate.

"Saying yes to this project was a really tough decision for me and one that I wrestled with for a long time," Ortega told MTV News. "I had to be won over too!

"We have a big challenge and a long road ahead of us. All I can say is I hope we can bring something unique and original to help change the naysayers' minds about the film."

Ortega claimed he was not looking to replace original stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, because they were 'one of a kind'.

Although the film has yet to be cast, Ortega said he could see Blue Valentine star Ryan Gosling in the lead role as dance teacher Johnny Castle.

Ortega was previously attached to direct a remake of remake of '80s dance film Footloose, but eventually dropped out after disagreements over the project's tone.

Watch a trailer for the original Dirty Dancing below: