BBC bosses are in talks to sign up Gladiators star and football legend Mark Clattenburg for this year's Strictly Come Dancing following in the footsteps of a host of celebrities including EastEnders' Lacey Turner09:35, 18 Jul 2026Updated 09:35, 18 Jul 2026Former football legend and Gladiators star Mark Clattenburg is said to be in talks with BBC bosses to join this year's Strictly Come Dancing.‌Mark, 51, had been a well known face among football fans until his retirement from being a referee in 2017, as he was part of the European leagues. And in 2024, viewers got to know Mark in a completely different light after landing the role as referee in the BBC reboot of Gladiators.‌A source said: "Mark manages to appeal to young and old, families, children and football fans – plus he’s easy on the eye for the mums."‌The insider went on to explain to The Sun: "That amazing fan base is a major bonus, the sort of thing the BBC is always keen to utilise. No final decision has been made yet but if Mark doesn’t make the cut this year, he’ll remain a target."They added: "The line-up is shaping up nicely but there are a few spots left."‌Mark Clattenburg may appear to be a clean cut TV personality but back in 2024, he became embroiled in controversy after landing the role of Nottingham Forest's referee analyst.This came in the wake of the football club's handling of a decision by VAR. Mark's role was to asses the refereeing performances and lead the club's response to alleged unjustified decisions. But he soon found himself in a storm as many called for him to resign from his role amid a backlash to a statement released by the club's social media account after it's defeat by Everton.It accused VAR Stuart Attwell of bias after it emerged that he was in support of of relegation rivals Luton Town. And this allegedly meant that he was not objective enough to officiate Nottingham Forest's games.‌And so on the back of the allegations made by Nottingham Forest an investigation was opened up by the Football Association and the referees' body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited as accusations of bias is taken incredibly seriously.Mark is not the only Gladiator star to join the BBC ballroom show as Fire, whose real name is Montell Douglas joined the show back in 2024. She was partnered with professional dancer turned host, Johannes Radebe. Last year, Nitro, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey reached ninth place with professional dancer Karen Hauer after impressing the judges during the Christmas special.Dani Dyer, the daughter of Rivals star Danny Dyer, has reprised her role on the show after she suffered an injury last year which forced her to bow out. After it was confirmed, the WAG and TV personality who has appeared on a number of reality TV shows over the years including Love Island, said in a statement: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September!‌"I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"Other celebrities who have been confirmed include EastEnders star Lacey Turner, former Neighbours star and singer Delta Goodrum, Big Brother host Will Best, Love Islander Cach Mercer and Kim Kardashian’s hairdresser Chris Appleton.The Mirror contacted the BBC for a comment.Article continues belowLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.