Strictly has a new recruit as Happy Mondays’ Bez says he’ll hit the dance floor

THIS Strictly signing’s Freaky Dancin’ would be guaranteed to twist your melon, man…

Yes, maracas-shaking Happy Mondays groover Bez is being lined up to Step On to the floor for this year’s contest.

The 54-year-old Mancunian, real name Mark Berry, said in 2016 he would be mad for it – and boasted that he could win.

He said: “I reckon I could go all the way. Dancing has made me famous and entertaining people is what I do best. I’ve lost count of the number of blokes who’ve come up over the years and said, ‘Thanks for making it OK for indie guys to get on the dance floor’.”

Bez won Channel 4’s Celebrity Big Brother in 2005 and was on the BBC’s celebrity special of Bargain Hunt last year – but producers were forced to disqualify him.

He was caught cheating when his girlfriend turned up to the auction and snapped up all his lots. But sources say he endeared himself to bosses.

One said: “Yes, the ending of Bargain Hunt had to be re-shot but everyone took it in good humour. And Bez paid back his ill-gotten £8 winnings, so he is still in good favour.

“The Bargain Hunt cheating scandal was talked about everywhere, even Gogglebox. If anything, it made the show. Everyone knows Bez would be a ratings hit on Strictly.”

Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, 56, previously said he was asked to do Strictly – but was dropped as chiefs feared he would swear at the judges if they criticised him during the live shows.

But the source insists there would be no problem with Bez behaving, adding: “He would be honoured to take part.”

Bez is also a pal of radio host Chris Evans and Chatty Man star Alan Carr, who have both confirmed they are in talks for the next series of Strictly.

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