Louise Minchin has said her husband has lifted his “lifetime ban” on her taking part on Strictly as she prepares to quit BBC Breakfast.
Bookies currently have Louise as 2/1 to appear on the next series of the dancing show and BBC bosses would love to secure her.
And Louise, 52, admits: “The other day on Breakfast Dan (Walker) mentioned it and I said the line that I’ve said for many years that I’m on a ‘lifetime ban’ from my family and my husband texted and said ‘ban lifted’”.
Her comments came in a new Her Spirit podcast interview with BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood. Carol told her: “You would be brilliant, you’ve got rhythm and viewers would love you because they do already. And you’re competitive in a healthy way.”
Louise replied: “The other reason I used to say no is because Darcy was one of my best friends so obviously I couldn’t go on when she was a judge - but now Oti is judged by her sister.”
Carol Kirkwood had previously been on the show with Pasha Kovalev in 2015.
Speaking in January, while interviewing Judy Murray, Louise had said: “I would really enjoy the training but I would be rubbish.
“I’ve also got two children, two girls, and I’ve been vetoed - I’ve been out on a lifetime ban by them.”
A source said: The BBC would love to have her on the show but it remains to be seen if Louise will want to do it anytime soon.”
Louise first presented the show in 2001 and moved with the famous red sofa to Media City in Salford as a lead presenter in 2012.
Speaking about her decision, Louise said in a statement: “I have absolutely loved being part of the 6 million strong BBC Breakfast family but after nearly two decades presenting the programme, I have decided it is time I stopped setting my alarm for 0340 in the morning.
“I will take so many memories with me, including reporting on the shock and anguish of the Manchester Arena bombing; starting a national conversation about Menopause; and the life-changing moment I took part in the Breakfast Christmas Cycling Challenge which inspired my ongoing passion for endurance sport, which I will continue when I leave.
“A big thank you to everyone who has watched and supported me, I have loved it and I will miss you all.”
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