Gino D'Acampo is wanted for this year's 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Gino D'Acampo is wanted for this year's Strictly
The 45-year-old TV chef - who is known for his appearances on 'This Morning' and for winning 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here' in 2009 - is being touted by bosses of the BBC dancing show because he has "universal appeal".
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Every year the team behind the show want to get the perfect balance of stars, whether it’s for their sex appeal, humour, or if they are a particular draw for older or younger viewers.
"But they view Gino as someone who has universal appeal, who is up for a laugh and more than capable of keeping audiences entertained."
The source explained that Gino - who has been married to Jessica Stellina Morrison since 2002 and has kids Luciano, 19, Rocco, 17, and nine-year-old Mia with her - has "serious star appeal", owing to his previous TV appearances.
The source added: "He also has serious star appeal, having been on 'This Morning' for 13 years and winning 'I’m A Celebrity'."
Gino - who back in 2021 hosted a revival of classic game show 'Family Fortunes' - previously admitted he had been invited to take part in 'Strictly' in 2019, but had to turn the opportunity down due to other work commitments.
He said at the time: "That show would require a lot of time and training. Who has got time for that? Not me ... not at the moment."
'Strictly Come Dancing' is set to return for its 20th series later this year, after 'EastEnders' star Rose Ayling-Ellis and pro dancer Giovanni Pernice won the 19th series at the end of 2021.