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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Shawaz Ahmad

Anthony Joshua rules out Strictly because his 'knees hurt too much'

Boxer Anthony Joshua has ruled himself out of appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, as he doesn’t think he is in good enough shape for it.

The two-time former world heavyweight champion confessed: “My knees hurt too much.”

The 33-year-old also admitted that he isn’t keen to go on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, because he has a phobia of the rodents and creepy crawlies.

Joshua admitted: “I hate them animals.”

Joshua has appeared on television before on Sky One’s What’s Up TV, to talk about his lifestyle and boxing career. He also appeared in a movie called Turnt.

Anthony Joshua won't be looking to compete in Strictly any time soon (Getty Images)

However he did hint that he could release music and said he “would love to” work on something in the future.

Joshua, who once did a freestyle rap about fellow boxer Tyson Fury, said he “can’t sing”, but would still love to collaborate with Beyonce. He laughed: “You have to aim high.”

He said at the MOBO awards: “I’m always preaching unity in our community, it’s about spreading love, supporting one another, no stress, no beef, just uplifting each other.”

Anthony won't be strutting his stuff on the Strictly dance floor (PA)

Strictly fans may be disappointed at the prospect of Joshua not vying for the glitterball trophy, but they've got a festive treat in store, as the line up for the show's Christmas special is shaping up nicely.

This year's special will see six brand new celebrity contestants take to the dancefloor. They will each be partnered with a professional dancer for the experience.

The six couples will perform a festive-inspired routine on the show in the hope of impressing the judges and the voting audience. One pair will be crowned champions.

Joshua has also ruled himself out of I'm A Celebrity, won by footballer Jill Scott this year (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The upcoming special will be hosted by Tess Daly, 53, and Claudia Winkleman, 50. It's set to include a "merry musical performance" and "some spectacular group routines".

The line-up so far includes podcast host Rosie Ramsey, 35, radio presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams, 42, former Coronation Street actress Alexandra Mardell, 29. The three other contestants have yet to be announced.

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