Reports: Stuart Broad to join Strictly Come Dancing

Stuart Broad. (Photo Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Veteran England pacer Stuart Broad is reportedly set to join the BBC dance show, Strictly Come Dancing. The 37-year-old could take part in the dance competition towards the end of 2023. Mollie King, his partner, radio DJ and former member of The Saturdays, had contested in the celebrity dance show and advanced to the semi-finals in 2017.

Broad would not be the first cricketer to take to the dance floor and former England cricketers Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash previously participated in the competition in 2005 and 2006, respectively. In addition, his former teammates Michael Vaughan, Graeme Swann and Phil Tufnell are the other England cricketers who have competed in the aforementioned British reality show.

According to the Sun, the show may include a few cricket-themed dances and will almost surely use Broad’s famed bandana in some way. Moreover, Ellie Leach from Corrie, TV host Angela Rippon, and EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier are among the celebrities who have been linked to the competition this year.

Broad calls time on his illustrious 17-year-long career

Broad, who made his international debut in 2006, called time on his stellar 17-year-long career with end of the 2023 Ashes in England. The 37-year-old enjoyed a fairytale ending to his cricketing career, on Day 5 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval on August 31 as England registered a 49-run win to tie the series 2-2. He finished the five-game series as the second-highest wicket-taker. The 37-year-old has claimed 22 wickets at an average of 27.08 and an economy rate of 4.86.

Broad is the second highest-wicket taker for England in Test cricket, after James Anderson (690). In 167 matches, he picked up 604 wickets at an average of 27.68 and an economy rate of 2.97. He is one of only five bowlers to have taken over 600 wickets in the longest format of the game.