DR Michael Mosley was reportedly lined up to go on Strictly Come Dancing after being approached just weeks before his tragic death.
The beloved TV doctor, 67, is said to have told pals he'd been invited to hit the dancefloor in the BBC show's upcoming season.
It is understood Dr Mosley did not get to the contract-signing stage before his death in Greece last week, but seemed delighted at the possibility of becoming a contestant.
A friend told the : "He told me just the week before last he'd been invited to do Strictly."
Dr Mosley was found dead on Sunday after taking a wrong turn while on a hike on the Greek island of Symi.
He succumbed to heat exhaustion after enduring nearly two hours in unforgiving heat and rough terrain.
The dad-of-four would often be vocal about the physical and mental benefits of dancing before dying on the island of Symi after getting lost on a walk in 40C heat.
On his BBC show, Just One Thing, in May 2022, he discussed how can dancing help your brain, listing benefits such as improved memory and calorie burn.
He even clutched a glitter ball, the award given to Strictly winners, on the show.
Dr Mosley said: "Dancing undoubtedly improves your fitness. It has been shown to support your mental health and it can even boost your memory.
"It can be used effectively for depression and it's good for social connection.
"Dance has also been shown to help manage the symptoms of a number of conditions, including Parkinson's disease and dementia.
"One of its most fascinating benefits is the fast and significant impact of dancing on your brain chemistry.
"Dancing can greatly increase the brain's hippocampus - an area which plays an important role in learning, memory and navigation in space.".
The broadcaster and author added: "Dancing is a valuable way to increase your physical activity.
"It can get your heartbeat up over 140 beats per minute and help you burn quite a few calories - around 340 every half an hour.
"It has a great combination of low- and high-intensity bouts during the exercise. On top of that, new routines are a fun way to challenge your brain."
The beloved dad and husband said his wife of forty years and collaborator, Dr Clare Mosley, also had no intention to retire.
Clare confirmed his death on Sunday, several hours after his body was found following an "unbearable" five-day search.
His wife described how he "nearly made it" after he took a "wrong turn" on the island, in Pedi town.
The columnist had left his wife and two friends at Saint Nikolas beach across the bay and later tried make his way down to Agia Marina after getting lost in the hills for almost two hours.
Grainy video showed the TV doc making his way down towards the wall between the hills and beach before sinking to the ground in the spot where his body was found.
Tributes have poured in for the late doctor, including from friends, family and co-stars.
Dr Mosley previously spoke about the benefits of going on nature walks without a phone before his deadly hike.
The health guru, who collapsed on a walk after taking a tragic wrong turn, said that phone-free wanders can help you "be present in the moment".
It is understood Dr Mosley had no phone or means of contacting anyone during his trek after reportedly leaving his mobile at the holiday home.
Speaking on ’s Just One Thing with Michael Mosley last February, the 67-year-old recommended reducing screen time to improve health and well-being.
After chatting with an expert, analysing research, and daring a listener to spend less time on their phone, Dr Mosley concluded the episode by going on a stroll without his phone.
Reflecting on his experience, he said: “I’m really pleased to hear that Stuart has stuck to his smartphone challenge.
"I too have been giving it a go this week and today I have left my phone at home and I am out for a walk in the woods nearby.
“Now I have managed to crack down on and I have been limiting myself to about an hour and a half of phone time a day and making sure I’m only using my phone for things I really need, like the weather or chatting to my kids.
Dr Mosley added: “I have found that not having the constant distraction of my phone has actually helped me to be present in the moment and enjoy what I am doing more, so it has been a real positive.
“So there you are, put your phone down and it may just improve your sleep, your mood and your social life, as well as give your brain a well-deserved boost.”
The Sun has approached the BBC for comment.
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