Harriott: I turned down 'Strictly'

Ainsley Harriott has revealed that he turned down the chance to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Ready, Steady, Cook host claimed that he spurned the offer because of the "commitment", adding that the show has lost a sense of fun in recent series.

"I was asked to do some dancing, but we're talking about a serious commitment there," he told DS. "It's eight or so hours every day.

"Plus, I don't know about you, but Strictly this time around had lost a bit of fun. There were people who had half-trained beforehand as musicians and actors, where dancing was part of their work. That's why when Sergeant was in there, the public said, 'Keep him in, we want to smile'."

He continued: "It's not all about professional actors going on there and looking brilliant. It didn't have the same appeal and humour."

Commenting on fellow chef Gary Rhodes's performance on the reality show, Harriott joked: "Oh my God! Gary Rhodes! Wasn't that embarrassing?

"Actually the most embarrassing thing was when he was in Hello! magazine showing off his new body. I nearly died! Good grief, I was in the shop and I screamed out, 'Arrrggh! Gary, what are you doing?!' He's a lovely guy and a great cook - but he's a not a good dancer, the poor boy."

> Click here to read our interview with Ainsley Harriott