Former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas has reportedly rejected an offer to appear on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 36-year-old, who played Jason Grimshaw on the ITV soap between 2000 and 2016, is said to have been approached by the BBC about joining the lineup for the new run, which begins in October.

According to The Sun, the actor has rebuffed the approach because he is reluctant to be apart from his girlfriend, former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh, after she gave birth to their son in March.

"Ryan doesn't want to leave Lucy or the baby to work long hours on the show," a source told the newspaper.

"Strictly bosses were hopeful he could be their big signing, but he doesn't need the money."

Ryan recently appeared with brothers Adam Thomas and Scott Thomas on the ITV travelogue Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai, which has already been renewed for a second series.

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