Tom Allen, the popular comedian and television presenter,
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has revealed that he turned down an offer to appear on *Strictly Come Dancing* due to a very unexpected fear—the stairs.
Despite the allure of the glitzy show, which has made stars of many,
Allen is convinced that the infamous flight of stairs contestants must descend at the start of each episode would be his undoing.
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In a candid interview with *The Daily Star Sunday*, Allen opened up about why he passed on the opportunity.
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“Strictly was mentioned at one point,” he admitted, acknowledging that he was tempted by the glitzy outfits and the excitement of joining the iconic BBC competition.
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“I’d love to do it for the outfits,” he confessed, referring to the stunning costumes that have become one of the show’s trademarks.
However, it wasn’t the dancing or the famous judges that deterred him—it was the stairs. Known for their grandeur and importance in the show’s opening, the steps provide a dramatic introduction for the contestants. But Allen expressed his fear of tripping or falling. “The thing is, I’d be too scared of the stairs they have to walk down at the beginning of each episode,” he explained. “I’d be worried that I’d fall down. The stairs are so grand and they walk down them so quickly. And it’s all on live television. I’d trip, I’d miss a step and fall over and roll onto the dance floor!”
It’s not hard to see why the thought of such a public mishap would make anyone nervous. The famous staircase at the *Strictly* set is not just any set of steps—it’s part of the glamour that sets the tone for the entire show. Contestants walk down with the eyes of millions upon them, making the entrance an iconic and nerve-wracking moment for every celebrity. For Tom, the risk of misstepping, especially with cameras capturing every second, would be too much to handle.
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The notion of walking down those stairs in front of a live audience is something that could cause a lot of anxiety for anyone, even seasoned professionals. But Allen’s humorous take on his own fears has only added to his charm. His relatable concern about potentially falling down the stairs—something many of us might fear—has certainly amused fans, sparking conversations about the vulnerability even the most confident performers can feel when faced with *Strictly’s* grandiose demands.
Despite the fear of the stairs, Tom Allen isn’t completely closing the door on participating in *Strictly*. While he’s not planning to dance his way to the ballroom floor anytime soon, he did express his admiration for the contestants and the spectacle of the show. As he mentioned, the outfits are a major draw, and the chance to experience the excitement of *Strictly* in any capacity might still be an attractive proposition.
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However, for now, Tom is content with his role as a television host rather than a reality show contestant. In addition to his successful hosting duties on the *The Apprentice* spin-off, *The Apprentice: You’re Fired*, and *Bake Off: An Extra Slice*, Allen is focused on his career in presenting. His quick wit, sharp humor, and infectious personality have made him a favorite among audiences, and it seems he’s keen to stay in the realm of presenting, where his skills shine the brightest.
While *Strictly Come Dancing* will continue to recruit celebrities for future seasons, Allen’s candidness about his fears reminds fans that even the most confident public figures have their own insecurities. And although the allure of the show’s sequins, glamour, and celebrity might tempt him, the thought of those grand, speedy stairs will likely keep him from dancing his way onto the stage—at least for now.
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So, while Tom Allen may not be donning a sequined outfit for *Strictly* anytime soon, his humor, warmth, and no-nonsense approach to life on TV continue to keep his audience entertained and engaged. Whether he’s hosting a reality show spin-off or sharing a laugh over his staircase fears, Tom remains a beloved personality whose career continues to thrive beyond the glitzy world of competitive dance.
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