‘Easy on the eye’ football legend ‘with amazing fan base’ in talks to join Strictly

EX-football referee and Gladiators star Mark Clattenburg is in talks to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. Before his retirement as a ref in 2017, Clatts was one of the best-known officials in the European leagues. Strictly Come Dancing could be about to welcome former top-flight referee Mark Clattenburg after he swapped the football pitch for Gladiators fame Credit: BBC After Mark retired from pro refereeing, he also had roles as Head of Refereeing for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and President of the Egyptian Referees Committee Credit: Alamy And he won a whole new generation of fans when in 2024 he took on the role of head referee in the BBC’s reboot of Gladiators. It means Mark, 51, would into Strictly with an impressively broad fan base if bosses go ahead and book him. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! A source said: “Clatts manages to appeal to young and old, families, children and football fans – plus he’s easy on the eye for the mums. “That amazing fan base is a major bonus, the sort of thing the BBC is always keen to utililise. No final decision has been made yet but if Clatts doesn’t make the cut this year, he’ll remain a target. “The line-up is shaping up nicely but there are a few spots left.” Clattenburg’s career was not without its controversies, though, and he had to resign as Nottingham Forest’s referee analyst in 2024 over a social media message. Gladiator Fire — real name Montell Douglas — reached sixth place on Strictly in 2024 when partnered with pro Johannes Radebe. Last year, Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey) came ninth with Karen Hauer after wowing on the 2024 Christmas special. EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has signed up for Strictly Credit: Getty Australian singer Delta Goodrem will also be taking to the dance floor Credit: Getty After Mark retired from pro refereeing, he also had roles as Head of Refereeing for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and President of the Egyptian Referees Committee. A BBC spokesperson said: “We don’t comment on speculation.” But yesterday, the Beeb confirmed our story that Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey would be taking to the Strictly dancefloor. The Sun revealed Dani Dyer was the first contestant to sign up for this year’s show back in May. The former Love Island star was forced to pull out last year after fracturing her ankle in rehearsals. EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, Big Brother host Will Best, Love Islander Cach Mercer and Kim Kardashian’s hairdresser Chris Appleton have also signed up.