Phillip Schofield has addressed the rumours swirling around him about the forthcoming Strictly Come Dancing series.
This Morning presenter Phil, 58, was reported to have signed up to be in the show’s first “same-sex couple” but he has now lifted the lid on the gossip.
Phil – who publicly came out as gay earlier this year – slammed the claims as completely “untrue”.
His spokesperson told RadioTimes : “He is not in talks with the BBC.”
Phil was reported to be weeks deep in discussions to take part in the forthcoming 2020 series of the hit BBC show – which will run for less episodes this year due to coronavirus concerns.
The series is set to make Strictly history as it is widely reported the show will have its first same-sex couple contestants taking part in the series.
A show source claimed that Phil was set to appear on the show, telling Daily Star Sunday : “Top-secret talks have been happening for a few weeks and an offer has been made.
“The hope is Phillip would dance with another man. If it happens it would be a beautiful and important moment both for him and for the show.”
Mirror Online has contacted Phil’s reps for further comment.
Phillip made headlines earlier this year when he unexpectedly announced he is a gay man.
The TV legend made the announcement on his Instagram page – before opening up in a tearful interview on This Morning the following day.
The father-of-two has been married to wife Stephanie Lowe since 1993, but said he had “suspected” he was gay when he got married during an interview with The Sun in February.
Indeed, Phil credited his family for helping him come out when he made his announcement in an Instagram post days earlier.
He said: “with the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.”
Phil is also a host on Dancing On Ice which had its own same-sex couple earlier this year when Ian “H” Watkins of Steps fame was partnered with professional skater Matt Evers.