Shaun Murphy has made himself available for Strictly Come Dancing after finding himself locked in a ballroom. The snooker star is one of the sport’s most outspoken and charismatic players, making him an ideal fit for the legendary BBC show.
Whether Murphy’s dancing skills match up to his ability on the baize is questionable but he would throw himself into the challenge. The 43-year-old issued a come-and-get-me plea to the Strictly producers during the Snooker Shootout, which is being held at Blackpool’s Tower Circus. After winning his first-round tie at the quick-fire tournament, which sees one-frame matches and a shot clock, Murphy recalled his previous visit to the legendary venue.
He told TNT Sports: « Last time I was here, I’ll tell you a quick story, I went to have a look at the ballroom, where they do the dancing. The door shut behind me, I couldn’t get out. I was trapped on the dance floor! »
It’s unclear whether Murphy used his time stuck in the ballroom to practice his paso doble but he would love to be given the chance on national TV. He declared: « Listen, if Strictly make the call, I’ll be there. »
Murphy wouldn’t be the first snooker legend to appear on Strictly, although he would be the first active player. Dennis Taylor, the 1985 world champion, took part in the third series in 2005, while the late Willy Thorne was involved two years later.
Murphy would have to assess whether he could fit the intense training required into a busy snooker schedule. The UK Championship, the first Triple Crown event of the year, takes place in late November and early December.
He will have had the weekend to hone his dancing skills after being knocked out of the Shootout in the second round by fellow former world champion Luca Brecel. The tournament concludes on Saturday with fourth-round matches, the quarter-finals, the semis and the final.
Murphy, the reigning Masters champion, is due to return to action on Monday in the first round of the Scottish Open in Edinburgh, where he takes on Chinese star Liu Hongyu.
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