Ex-England great Owen set to feature in Strictly Come Dancing

Ex-England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen is reportedly in talks with the BBC about appearing on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Producers of the long-running dance contest are currently in the process of arranging the lineup for the new series, which is due to begin in late September.

According to The Sun, 41-year-old Owen is a top target despite having previously rebuffed multiple approaches.

“Michael has been on our wish list for a while. He would be a great signing for us,” a show source told the newspaper.

“In previous years the answer has been a flat no from Michael, but this year a conversation is taking place, so everyone is very hopeful.

“There’s no question he would be a huge hit with fans.”

Other former footballers to have previously competed on Strictly include Alex Scott (fifth place, 2019), David James (12th place, 2019), Robbie Savage (sixth place, 2011), Peter Shilton (12th place, 2010), John Barnes (seventh place, 2007) and Peter Schmeichel (seventh place, 2006).

read alsoFormer Liverpool striker Owen labelled Salah a selfish player

Strictly Come Dancing is a British television dance contest in which celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in mainly ballroom and Latin dance. Each couple is scored by a panel of judges. The format has been exported to 60 other countries under the title Dancing with the Stars licensed by BBC Worldwide.