Fern Britton is set to twirl her way back into the hearts of watching millions on Strictly Come Dancing.
The former host of ITV’s This Morning is locked in talks to make a sensational TV comeback on the hit BBC1 show.
She impressed viewers with her Singing in The Rain routine for Comic Relief in March. And as an added lure to take to the dance floor again Fern, 52, has been offered Kiwi lothario Brendan Cole as her Strictly dance partner.
And we can also reveal that former EastEnders star Ricky Groves, who played mechanic Garry Hobbs, has agreed to take part as has Hollyoaks heart-throb, Ricky Whittle.
A studio source said: “Fern is a major coup.
“Producers have been wooing her for some time but it is only in the last few days talks have really progressed. Brendan was lined-up to dance with Jo Wood but now bosses have offered him to Fern as bait. Fern is bound to get lots of attention and they believe he’s the guy most equipped to handle it.
“Another incentive for Fern, of course, is that she’s bound to lose yet more weight, and will be offered a host of magazine and TV deals. She is a natural in front of the camera and will charm viewers.” Fern’s appearance on the show – as it goes head
to head with The X Factor on
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ITV – is sure to give Strictly a massive ratings boost.
The seventh series of the prime time ballroom dancing show starting next month, is the most controversial to date.
The BBC incurred accusations of ageism after axing 66-year-old judge, Arlene Phillips, and replacing her with former winner, Alesha Dixon who is 36 years her junior.
The oldest female dancer Karen Hardy, 39, was also axed from the programme. Other stars already said to be signed up for the new series – won last year by actor Tom Chambers – are Lynda Bellingham, Footballers’ Wives star Laila Rouass along with Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding.
BBC bosses are said to be keen to attract a younger viewer this year to rival X Factor’s popularity with the 16-30 market.
As part of the revamp, several big name artists, including Amy Winehouse, are lined up to perform on the show.
Ironically, with actress Lynda, Ronnie Woods ex-wife Jo and Fern in the line-up, much of the programme’s focus will be on older contestants.
Whilst the BBC refuses to discuss salaries, it is understood all celebrities receive a flat fee of £30,000 per series.
Previous show winners include Natasha Kaplinsky, Jill Halfpenny and Darren Gough.
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TV star Fern Britton is in talks with producers about appearing on BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing.  She was best known for being co-presenter on ITV1's This Morning — and is set to make her TV comeback on the hit show. She has been offered Brendan Cole as her dance partner.

One TV source has mentioned that there are many incentives for Fern to appear on the dancing show, including losing weight and also being offered a whole host of TV and magazine deals. The Strictly Come Dancing production team are keen to attract more viewers on this year's series — especially as the programme will be going head-to-head with the new series of ITV1 hit singing show The X Factor, which appeals specifically to the 16–30 year old viewing market.

The BBC has yet to confirm or deny any contestants on Strictly Come Dancing.