Diane Abbott snubbed Strictly Come Dancing offer

Diane Abbott turned down \'Strictly Come Dancing\'.

The 66-year-old politician was offered the chance to compete on the BBC Latin and ballroom show, but insisted she didn\'t want her lack of dancing skills "exposed to millions of television viewers".

She told Sky News: "I have [been asked] and I turned them down. I couldn\'t possibly do it...

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"You\'ll be surprised to know, I\'m not someone with natural rhythm, and I didn\'t want it exposed to millions of television viewers."

Although Diane snubbed the idea, her fellow Labour MP Jacqui Smith will be taking part after being announced as the 12th and final contestant.

She added: "I think Jacqui\'s very brave."

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The former Home Secretary and political broadcaster will be joining the likes of \'EastEnders\' actress Maisie Smith, \'Made In Chelsea\' star Jamie Laing, comedian Bill Bailey and BBC Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo on the show.

She recently said in a statement: "I was speechless with excitement at being asked to join \'Strictly\' - and that\'s very rare for me.

"Fifty years ago, I got a bronze medal for Scottish Highland Dancing and it feels about time to return to dancing.

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"I couldn\'t be in better hands with the Strictly team and I\'m going to throw myself into the challenge. Watch out!"

Jacqui is best known for her spell as the UK\'s first female Home Secretary in 2007.

She has become a regular political commentator on TV and radio as well as being the chair of both the largest NHS trust in England, and a Children\'s Trust in Sandwell.

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This year\'s series of the show has been delayed until October and will have a limited run of nine weeks rather than 12, due to the coronavirus pandemic.