William G Stewart "Too Old" For Strictly

William G Stewart, veteran TV producer famous for hosting Fifteen To One , claims he was approached for Strictly, but was not offered a place due to his age.

Stewart told the Daily Telegraph: "I had an interview with producers, was accepted and even agreed to a location for my training. At the interview I even did a few high kicks, knee bends, and toe-touching to prove how fit I am. All was agreed. Then, two weeks later, my agent got a message to say that the BBC would not insure me – I was too old."

A BBC spokesman told the paper: "The casting for Strictly is a long process during which the producers meet many potential contributors and these meetings are always on a 'no strings attached' basis. We have never made a decision about whether or not to cast somebody based on their age. In fact, this year's oldest celebrity, Paul Daniels, is 72. However, all of our cast, regardless of age, have a full medical before they embark on training which is for their protection."

William may have actually been a more popular choice than Paul, whom the public never seemed to warm to.