Ross Kemp reveals why Strictly Come Dancing offer came at the worst possible time

Strictly Come Dancingreturns this weekend, with tonight's launch show set to reveal which professional dancers the 15 celebrity contestants will be paired with.

The BAFTA winning show has had its fare share of scandal and controversies during its 21 years on air. The BBC dancing competition has changed drastically since it first aired and presented a twee, wholesome vibe back in May 2004.

Ahead of the first series premiering, which was eventually won by newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole, BBC bosses was keen to get a national treasure in the form ofRoss Kemp on the line-up.

But, unfortunately for the BBC, the EastEnders legend was a little busy in a very unique situation at the time. Chatting exclusively to the Mirror earlier this week, Kemp recalled the strange way he found out Strictly wanted him and if he would ever do reality TV in the future.

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After becoming a household name thanks to his stint on Albert Square as Grant Mitchell, Kemp pivoted towards documentary making, picking up a BAFTA Award for Ross Kemp on Gangs and multiple other honours over the years.

Thanks to travelling the world and being put through his paces by professional soldiers for series like Ross Kemp in Afghanistan and Ross Kemp: Extreme World, signing up for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins would be a walk in the park for the former soap star/ So does he fancy it?

"No, not really," Kemp admits to us. "I think with a lot of stuff, you never say never. I don't think you should ever say no. But right now, no, because I'm really busy."

"I'm doing a 5-part documentary. I've just done 14 days straight. so, I've got enough on my plate right now without having to compete. get asked to do a lot of celebrity stuff - and I love watching it - but whether I want be in it, I don't know."

Revealing how one offer from Strictly came to him during the show's infancy, Kemp recalled: "I was out in Afghanistan [filming] and had just got back to Camp Bastion. In those days, mobile phones were the size of bricks.

"I turned [on my phone] hoping to hear from my girlfriend. Instead, [when listening to my voicemails] I got 'hello, this is the BBC we're doing a new dance show and it's based on ballroom dancing, would you do?' BEEEP.

"[Then another one], 'Hello, this is the BBC. We’re doing…' So I had about seven messages and when I eventually got to my girlfriend's message, I just heard 'Hi Ross -' before [it cut out]."

But despite not fancying donning sequins for the first series of Strictly, Kemp will never rule out appearing on the BBC dancefloor. The actor and documentary will never shut the door fully on any opportunity that comes his way.

"I don't think anyone in this business, my business , is in a position to categorically say no to anything because as I said to you, nothing's for certain," he explains.

"And that's why I do have a pension, and I've paid into a pension all my life. And I wouldn't, honestly, I'm not the kind of so-called celebrity or whatever I am. I'm not the kind of person that would back a campaign that I didn't actually personally agree with."

Kemp is currently fronting the latest Pay Your Pension Some Attention campaign. The TV star is urging the nation to act now and engage with their retirement plans with three simple steps.

"A lot of us care about getting fit for the future – that’s why we hit the gym, eat better, and try to sleep more. But your pension is part of that too. With an easy three-step training plan, you could strengthen your pension and gain some serious pounds. Do your future self a favour and pay your pension some attention," he warns.

To help you get started, visit www.pensionattention.co.uk today.

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