Lenny Henry reveals why he refuses Strictly Come Dancing despite repeated BBC offers

Lenny Henry spoke about his Strictly fears (Image: GETTY)

Lenny Henry has candidly confessed that he's turned down several offers from the BBC to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, as he reveals his trepidation about participating in the fan-favourite dance competition. The comedian shared his insights while discussing his role in Netflix's upcoming thriller series Missing You, which debuts on New Year's Day and follows hot on the heels of a previous smash hit by Harlan Coben, Fool Me Once, lauded as Netflix's top sensation of 2024.

In Missing You, Henry portrays the deceased father of the central character, Detective Kat Donovan played by Rosalind Eleazar, as she delves into the mysteries surrounding his untimely demise. Although billed as Coben's "most harrowing puzzle yet," the series balances its dark narrative with lighter moments, including a scene featuring Henry showcasing his moves a prospect that fills him with dread.

Henry opened up during a live Q&A event preceding the premiere of Missing You, where he explained: "There is a legendary dancing scene - and I can't dance at all."

He then humorously touched upon the pressure he feels regarding Strictly, adding: "They keep asking me to be on Strictly, and I would literally let every black person in Britain down."

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Speaking more about his filming experience, he continued: "But every wedding, funeral and birthday, people get up and do the Candy Dance - right? It's in the script, and I just about remember it. We had to do this thing and it was a lot of fun."

Lenny Henry and Richard Armitage star in Netflix's Missing You (Image: GETTY)

In a jovial exchange with Reach and other media outlets, Henry quipped about his lack of dance talent, saying brightly that he has "no rhythm at all".

In a stunning turn of events, comedian Chris McCausland triumphed in this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, clinching the glitterball trophy with his dance partner Dianne Buswell.

Chris, who made history as Strictly's first-ever blind contestant, was visibly moved when the results were announced live on air.

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Overwhelmed by the victory, he expressed: "It's astonishing. It's, you know. I don't know what to say. I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two and I know no-one went out in the first week but I still thought I could."

He continued to inspire, stating that "anything can happen" with "support and determination". He also took a moment to heap praise on Dianne, who has finally tasted victory after reaching the final three times.

In a light-hearted endnote, Chris joked about their enduring partnership, saying: "She deserves this so much. She's just honestly one of the easiest people to be funny with and, unless she changes her number, she's stuck with me."

Missing You is available to stream on Netflix from January 1.

Lenny Henry reveals why he refuses Strictly Come Dancing despite repeated BBC offers

Lenny Henry reveals why he refuses Strictly Come Dancing despite repeated BBC offers

Lenny Henry reveals why he refuses Strictly Come Dancing despite repeated BBC offers

Lenny Henry reveals why he refuses Strictly Come Dancing despite repeated BBC offers

Lenny Henry reveals why he refuses Strictly Come Dancing despite repeated BBC offers