'Strictly' look to sign Muamba up
'Strictly Come Dancing' bosses want to sign Fabrice Muamba for a full series after he impressed on this year's Christmas special.
The 24-year-old soccer star - who was forced to retire from the sport after suffering a heart attack during a game in March - wowed judges with a salsa routine taped for the annual festive one-off on Monday, and now producers are hoping to bring him back for the BBC show's next series.
Judge Darcey Bussell, 43, heaped praise on the former Bolton Wanderers midfielder, saying: "That was amazing after what you have been through in the last year. You look to the floor a lot but I would like to see more of your princely good looks."
Head judge Len Goodman, 68, added: "I'm going to call you the netbuster thruster. Your bum was going to town. It was like a prawn cocktail. Loads of prawns and plenty of cocktail."
Speaking after his performance, which saw him pair up with professional dancer Aliona Vilani, Fabrice said he gained a newfound respect for the professional dancers, and would consider returning to the show.
He said: "I'm still learning so we'll see what happens."
An insider on the BBC dancing competition revealed bosses hope Fabrice will consider a spot on the show's 11th series, which is due to air in 2013.
The source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "He got the audience on their feet and seemed to love the roar of the crowd, perhaps it reminded him of his days on the pitch.
"We would love to have him back on 'Strictly' in the future."
Other celebrities who will appear on the festive special include JLS star J.B. Gill, Sheila Hancock, Bobby Ball, TV presenter Helen Skelton and comedienne Katy Brand.
