Strictly’s Krishnan Guru-Murthy reveals the REAL reason he signed up for the show after turning it down multiple times
Strictly Come Dancing star Krishnan Guru-Murthy has revealed the real reason he agreed to take part in the show after turning it down multiple times.
The veteran broadcaster, 53, told MailOnline that after a ‘very very grim period’ in news he was looking for some ‘pure joy in his life.’
Krishnan will join stars including Angela Rippon, Annabel Croft and Bobby Brazier in this year’s Strictly line-up, with stars set to take to the floor for the first time in a glitzy launch show on Saturday.
He said: ‘Something changed this year. It was kind of a feeling. The news has been through a very, very grim period.
‘The pandemic, political chaos, the war in Ukraine and my life’s been really, really serious, in quite an intense way.
Speaking out: Strictly Come Dancing star Krishnan Guru-Murthy has revealed the real reason he agreed to take part in the show after turning it down multiple times
Coming soon: Krishnan will join stars including Angela Rippon , Annabel Croft and Bobby Brazier in this year’s Strictly line-up, with stars set to take to the floor for the first time in a glitzy launch show on Saturday
‘And I genuinely thought it would be great to have some pure joy in my life. And this is just fun and laughter, and joy and learning something new that kind of takes your mind totally away from everything else.
‘You can’t think at all, so you can’t think about anything else when you’re doing this.
‘They’d asked me so many times before and I’d said no. And I kind of suddenly thought ”you’re an idiot, why aren’t you doing this?”
Krishnan also revealed that after just few days of training he’s already been to see the show’s physio team with a ‘sore back.’
The star is best known as the main anchor of Channel 4 News, as well as reporting for the foreign affairs series Unreported World and hosting live debates for Channel 4 during elections, referendums and major crises.
He also won the Royal Television Society Journalism Award for best Network Presenter in 2022.
Despite the show’s famously-tough training regime, Krishnan previously revealed he won’t be able to practice as much as the others due to a heart condition.
He revealed he suffers from the genetic heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which led to the death of two cousins.
A bit of happiness! The veteran broadcaster told MailOnline that after a ‘very very grim period’ in news he was looking for some ‘pure joy in his life’
The condition will inhibit his ability to train as hard and intensely as other celebrities, especially in dances that tend to raise the heart rate.
Krishnan will take to the Strictly dancefloor in a group routine on Saturday when viewers will also learn the stars’ professional partners.
Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will once again be returning to the panel.
The couples will then perform their debut dances on the first live show on September 23.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, September 16 at 6:35pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
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