Hollins: 'I won't be new Sergeant'

Rex Features

BBC newsreader Chris Hollins has insisted that he won't end up being the new John Sergeant on Strictly Come Dancing.

The sports journalist also claimed that he isn't expecting to match fellow reporter and series one winner Natasha Kaplinsky.

Sergeant caused controversy on last year's show when he pulled out over fears that he could end up winning, despite being one of the weakest performers.

"Do I fear being the new John Sergeant? No, because John epitomised everything that was great about the show. He embraced it and had some fun, he slowly and surely improved and learnt something," Hollins told DS.

"Would I like to be another Natasha Kaplinsky and win the thing. Of course I would! Sadly, I don't think I'll be like Natasha or John. I'll hopefully be somewhere in the middle and as long as I learn something, I don't mind."

Hollins will be partnered by Ola Jordan on the dance show, which returns on September 18 to BBC One.