UNBELIEVABLE: Former quiz show host William G Stewart makes a blistering statement criticising BBC bosses for dropping him from Strictly on what he says are unconvincing grounds

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Former quiz show presenter, William G Stewart, who is best known for hosting Fifteen to One, previously claimed that he was approached about being a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing – but was later vetoed because he was “too old”.

He was reportedly shortlisted to appear on the BBC Ballroom show back in 2010. Speaking about how energetic he was, even at the age of 75, the TV host told The Telegraph: “I had an interview with producers, was accepted and even agreed to a location for my training. At the interview, I even did a few high kicks, knee bends, and toe-touching to prove how fit I am. All was agreed. Then, two weeks later, my agent got a message to say that the BBC would not insure me – I was too old.”

Logo Strictly Come Dancing

At the time, a spokesman for the hugely popular BBC programme claimed that Stewart “was never offered a formal contract”. They said: “The casting for Strictly is a long process during which the producers meet many potential contributors and these meetings are always on a ‘no strings attached’ basis.

“We have never made a decision about whether or not to cast somebody based on their age. In fact, this year’s oldest celebrity, Paul Daniels, is 72. However, all of our cast, regardless of age, have a full medical before they embark on training which is for their protection.”

Stewart went on to live for another nine years after being rejected from the show, as he died at the age of 84 in 2017. “Sadly William G Stewart passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his family after a brief illness,” his agents confirmed.

He was actually a producer but decided to host Fifteen to One himself when he couldn’t find a host who would know enough about the background to the questions.

It saw 15 contestants try to avoid elimination by either answering questions correctly or having other contestants answer first.

The idea for the popular quiz show came from a former British Telecom sales manager who gave Stewart a 12-month option to explore its potential.

The producer paid £200 for the privilege, later calling it “the best money I’ve ever spent in my life”.