Coronation Street Star Ready to Tango: Shayne Ward Rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing

Former *Coronation Street

favourite Shayne Ward is reportedly set to trade the cobbles for the ballroom, as he's rumoured to be joining the cast of *Strictly Come Dancing* for its upcoming series. The ex-X Factor winner, who rose to fame after winning the singing competition, later ventured into acting. Now, he's set to put his dancing skills to the test.

Ward, best known for his role as Aidan Connor in the ITV soap, is said to be taking a temporary break from acting to step into the spotlight on the dance floor. Insiders believe his previous success in winning a public vote on the X Factor could give him an edge in the Strictly competition, according to reports in *The Mirror*.

A source told *The Sun*: "Shayne is a previous winner of an audience-voted talent show, so he'll have high hopes of doing it again. He's excited to start training. He has some dance experience, so he could be a contender for the glitterball trophy. He also has a massive fanbase from his time as a *Coronation Street

heartthrob."

These rumours follow the confirmation of another high-profile signing for the 2024 series: Olympic swimmer Tom Dean. Dean announced his participation in *Strictly

after finishing second in the men's 200 metres individual medley at the recent World Aquatics Championships in Paris.

"Naturally, you want to take a break after an Olympic cycle, and the opportunity came up," Dean said. "I thought it would be really exciting to try something a bit different. I'll be doing that and then straight back into training afterwards. It's something to look forward to."

These casting developments come amidst a period of turbulence for *Strictly*, which has recently faced allegations of bullying. However, the show is still expected to return to our screens this autumn.

*The Mirror

has contacted representatives for Shayne Ward for comment.