Football ace Jermain Defoe reveals he is keen to appear on next series of Strictly Come Dancing

ENGLAND star Jermain Defoe is dreaming of swapping his football boots for dancing shoes – to strut his stuff on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Sunderland striker, 34, has revealed he used to take part in street dance competitions as a schoolboy – and would love to take part in the BBC show.

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England striker Jermaine Defoe has revealed he is keen to appear on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing[/caption]

Talking about his toe-tapping days, he announced he would jump at the chance to star in the 15th series of Strictly – but would turn down I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

In an interview with Four Four Two, Defoe said: “I competed in street dance competitions with my mate.

“I remember being really nervous for one as we had to perform in front of all the girls, too.

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“We ended up winning and I’ve still got the medals at my mum’s. I’d never go into the jungle and do I’m a Celebrity but I’d love to do Strictly Come Dancing.”

BBC bosses are remaining tight-lipped about the new line-up but last month The Sun revealed how they were eyeing up Gogglebox couple Steph and Dom.

It’s also rumoured Michelle Collins and Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson may be taking part in this year’s show, which is set to air in September.

Defoe could join a raft of other footballers who have previously taken part in the show – including Danish goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel, Liverpool legend John Barnes, Welsh pundit Robbie Savage and England keeper Peter Shilton.

Savage, 42, fared the best and finished in sixth place out of 14 contestants in the ninth series.

Shilton, 67, was the worst dancer out of the former footie stars – finishing in 12th place on series eight.

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Footballer Robbie Savage appeared on the show back in 2011[/caption]

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Danish footballer Peter Schmeichel (pictured with dance partner Erin Boag) appeared on Strictly in 2006[/caption]

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Beeb bosses are rumoured to be keen to snap up Gogglebox’s Steph and Dom[/caption]

 

Defoe is not married – meaning he won’t fall victim to the famous Strictly Come Dancing curse which has caused other contestants to split from their other halves.

No official statement has been made but it’s believed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be continuing their three year reign as presenters after taking over from ailing Bruce Forsyth in 2014.

It was announced last year head judge Len Goodman will be stepping down but it’s not yet known who will replace him.

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But the bookies are fairly confident that it will be ballroom giant and Len’s good friend Gary Edwardsstepping into the head judge chair.

In the same interview, Defoe – who pockets £80,000-a-week, also revealed how he was given £10-a-week pocket money – spending half on bus fare and the other half on sweets.