Popular BBC Strictly star eyeing return after he was 'thrown in at the deep end'

As Strictly Come Dancing 2023 continues this Saturday night, one former professional has admitted they would be up for a grand return to the show

The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing launched with a dazzling start last month, introducing a new group of celebrities ready to strut their stuff on the dance floor. While fan favourites Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima are sitting out this season of the BBC show, fans were excited to see Aljaz Skorjanec make his comeback after leaving in 2022.

Yet, there's another former professional who is open to the idea of making a return to the competition. Vincent Simone, who graced the show from 2006 to 2012, shared his thoughts on the current series in an exclusive chat with The Express, courtesy of 10bet.

Vincent, when questioned about a potential comeback to the BBC hit, didn't hesitate to express how the show has been instrumental in boosting his career, thanks to his exceptional talent.

Read more: Strictly star 'rushed to hospital'

Speaking to Express.co.uk, he remarked: "Now that I've had this break, now that my children are grown up, I feel like I have more time. I would love to take the challenge again, for my personal things and to show everybody who I am.", reports the Express.

Despite acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the return of past professionals due to the influx of new talent eager to join the show, Vincent admitted his eagerness to embrace the challenge once more.

He continued: "I wouldn't mind going back and experiencing it all over again. I was thrown into the show from the beginning and I never worked on TV so everything was really overwhelming."

Vincent concluded by reflecting on his life's journey, feeling confident that he's now at a stage where he could make a triumphant return and deliver an outstanding performance.

Vincent is currently wowing fans on tour with former Strictly pros Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, and Ian Waite in the highly anticipated 'Legends of the Dancefloor' event, bringing a ballroom extravaganza to the nation.

BBC audiences witnessed Olympic swimmer Tom Dean's departure from the competition last weekend after he was placed in the bottom two alongside Toyah Willcox.

Despite earning a respectable score of 23 for his performance with Nadiya Bychkova, it failed to keep him safe from the dance-off.

In the critical moment, judges Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood decided to save Toyah and her dance partner Neil Jones.

Even though Anton Du Beke cast his vote for Tom and Nadiya, the final decision rested with head judge Shirley Ballas who ultimately chose to save Toyah.

Tom shared his feelings about leaving the show, saying: "I've had the best time the last few weeks and getting to work with Nadiya has been incredible."

"I wish I could have gone further and done more dances. I've had the most fun and I wish we could keep going longer and longer. We'll still go out for loads of brunches I'm sure."