THE Chase legend Mark Labbett is set for a spot on this year's Strictly Come Dancing after receiving backing from show star Kai Widdrington.
Brain box Mark, 58, told us, if all goes to plan, he's likely to be paired with Kai's girlfriend Nadiya Bychkova, 34, who remains part of the cast but wasn't given a celeb partner last year.
The 6 ft 7 quizzer has long wanted to get his dancing shoes on for the BBC show, and now it appears he's closer than ever to making his dream come true with long-legged Nadiya, who measures in at 5 ft 8.
It was during a backstage encounter at Loose Women yesterday that Mark and his presenter girlfriend Hayley Palmer, 42, got chatting with the pro dancers - who, to their surprise, were more than willing to set something up.
In fact, Mark films The Chase at Elstree Studios over the same months of the year as Strictly, so it's no wonder he bit Kai's arm off when he offered to put in a good word with producers.
Mark said: "Hayley used to run a dance school and knows Kai from the industry. We were all in the make-up room chatting and he said, 'Would you be interested?'
"Of course, I told him I’d love to do it. And Nadiya would be the only one tall enough to dance with me too.
"He invited us to one of their gigs so we're going to stay in touch and hopefully make something happen.
"We actually film The Chase at the same place, at the George Lucas in Elstree. I could do one show in the morning and then go straight on up and do the other in the evening.
"I would be very happy if my agent said, 'Strictly would love to chat to you.' From October, November, December, I practically live in Elstree doing The Chase so it would work out perfectly."
It has previously been claimed that bosses have The Beast on their wish list, with a show insider revealing how he'd been considered for the 2018 series.
They told : “Mark has become one of the best-known personalities on TV so he has come on to Strictly’s radar.
“They think he could be a real hit with viewers, as he has been on The Chase.
“He would certainly make people stand up and take notice with his stature.”
Last year, Ukrainian beauty Nadiya missed out on a celebrity partner – leaving fans devastated and questioning where she was.
Following the first episode of the series, Nadiya told fans: “I’m sure you’ll understand that I'm disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series.”
The star continued: “It is an amazing show to be a part of and I’m still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more.
“I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year.”
Her famous pals and fans rushed to support her, with Kai commenting: “Always shining bright.”
Nadiya was thought to be a shoo-in to be paired with a celeb, as she has since she joined six years ago.
It was a particular surprise given the BBC used her so predominantly in the publicity to drum up interest ahead of the start of the 21st series.
Nadiya, who started dating Kai after they met on Strictly three years ago, has built up a strong following since she first appeared in 2017.
