Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd Makes Strictly Come Dancing Admission

For more than two decades, Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd has been the mischievous heart of the Platt family as David Platt —

a character who has grown from troubled teen to complicated antihero on the cobbles of Weatherfield. But while many of his soap contemporaries have swapped the drama of Corrie

for the dazzle of dance floors and reality show fame, Jack has now made a frank and fascinating admission about whether fans

will ever see him waltzing across the Strictly Come Dancing stage.

The 36-year-old actor, who has spent 25 years immersed in the world of Coronation Street, recently made waves when he stepped away from the fictional drama to participate in Celebrity Big Brother — marking his very first venture into the unpredictable realm of reality television. To the surprise of many — and seemingly to his own — Shepherd emerged as the winner, triumphing over a star-studded lineup that included drag performer Danny Beard, TV personality Chris Hughes, internet star JoJo Siwa, comedian Donna Preston, and singer Chesney Hawkes.

It was a hard-earned victory. During his early days in the Celebrity Big Brother house, Jack’s blunt humor and introspective demeanor earned him mixed reviews from housemates, who branded him a “wind-up” and a “closed book.” Twice nominated for eviction, his position seemed precarious. Yet, through honesty, vulnerability, and undeniable wit, Jack managed to turn the tide — ultimately winning over both his housemates and the public.

The triumph cemented his ability to connect with audiences beyond Coronation Street, but it also led to one inevitable question: would Jack take his newfound reality TV fame a step further by joining another British television institution — Strictly Come Dancing?

At this year’s National Television Awards, the actor addressed the speculation head-on, and his answer was refreshingly candid. “I wouldn’t ever want to do Dancing On Ice — but that’s finished now,” he told The Daily Star. “As for Strictly Come Dancing — no, that’s on the BBC. You have to leave ITV for that.”

With that simple statement, Jack drew a firm line between his long-standing commitment to Coronation Street and the glittering temptation of the BBC’s ballroom. His loyalty to the ITV soap, where he’s practically grown up on screen, remains unwavering. The actor expressed genuine gratitude toward the fans who’ve stood by him throughout his career, noting that their support means more to him than sequins, sambas, or spray tans ever could.

“I’m happy right where I am,” he shared. “Corrie has given me everything — incredible storylines, lifelong friendships, and fans who’ve stuck with me through every twist and turn. That’s more rewarding than any trophy I could dance for.”

Jack’s career trajectory certainly supports his dedication to the craft rather than the celebrity spotlight. Born in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, he began acting at a young age, appearing in the family drama Where the Heart Is before landing smaller roles in theatre and the BBC’s Cutting It. But in 2000, his life changed forever when he stepped into the role of David Platt — replacing actor Thomas Ormson, who had played the part since the character’s birth on Coronation Street.

At just 12 years old, Shepherd began portraying the mischievous, emotionally volatile son of Gail Platt — and over time, he transformed David into one of Coronation Street’s most complex, unpredictable, and beloved figures. From his troubled adolescence to his adult struggles with trauma, loss, and family loyalty, Jack has consistently earned praise for bringing depth and humanity to a character that could easily have been written off as a soap villain.

Yet, in an alternate universe, Jack’s acting career might have taken a very different turn — across the Atlantic and onto the silver screen. In his Sofa Cinema Club podcast, which he co-hosts with Corrie co-stars Colson Smith (Craig Tinker) and Ben Price (Nick Tilsley), Shepherd once revealed that he auditioned for a now-iconic role: the title character in the 2000 film Billy Elliot.

“I was about 11 or 12 when I went up for the audition,” he recalled. “When the film came out and became a hit — BAFTAs, Academy Award nominations — I realized just how massive it could’ve been. It was one of those moments where you go, ‘That could’ve been me.’”

Ultimately, the role went to Jamie Bell, who went on to win a BAFTA and launch an acclaimed Hollywood career. Jack, meanwhile, admits with a characteristic dose of humor that his audition didn’t go as planned. “Don’t get me wrong,” he laughed. “I don’t think I’d have done anywhere near as good a job as Jamie Bell did. But when Colson asked if I’d have liked the chance, I said, ‘Well, I did have the chance — and I f***ed it up!’”

It’s this kind of self-deprecating honesty that has made Shepherd such a relatable figure for audiences. Despite years in the spotlight, he has never seemed particularly enamored with fame for fame’s sake. His focus remains squarely on his work, his character, and his loyal Coronation Street fan base.

And that’s precisely why the idea of him cha-cha-cha-ing his way through Strictly Come Dancing feels unlikely. For Jack, the real showbiz sparkle isn’t found in glitter balls or standing ovations from judges — it’s in the dramatic confrontations, emotional storylines, and enduring relationships that Coronation Street continues to deliver.

Still, fans can’t help but imagine what could be. With his dry wit, sharp timing, and natural charisma, Jack would likely make for a captivating contestant on Strictly. But for now, the actor is content to remain in Weatherfield, navigating David Platt’s next set of challenges — and maybe, just maybe, stirring up a bit more trouble along the way.

As Coronation Street approaches another milestone year, Jack P Shepherd stands as one of its most enduring and beloved stars — proof that staying true to your roots can sometimes be more rewarding than chasing the next big opportunity.

Whether it’s facing off against the Rovers’ latest scandal, repairing fractured family ties, or simply delivering another razor-sharp one-liner, Shepherd continues to captivate audiences exactly where he belongs — on the cobbles, not the dance floor.

And so, while Strictly Come Dancing may have to wait for another Coronation Street alum to claim the glitterball, Jack P Shepherd seems perfectly content with his own kind of spotlight: the one that’s been shining on him, steadily and brilliantly, since 2000.