Ex-Emmerdale Star Siân Reeves Reveals Strictly Regret After Turning Down First Series

Former Emmerdale actress Siân Reeves, best known to soap fans as the unhinged Sally Spode, has admitted she turned down a place on the very first series of Strictly Come Dancing — and now regrets it deeply.

“I’d Love Them to Ask Me Again”

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the 59-year-old star confessed: “I can’t think of any reality show I can do other than Strictly Come Dancing, which they did ask me to do the first one ever — and I didn’t do it. So when that comes around again, and I hope it does, hopefully I’m not too old and my body’s not too dead. I would love to try and do it.”

Acting - Sian Reeves

Reeves revealed her lifelong love of dance, recalling her childhood at a local dance school where she taught and won medals. “I always wanted to be a dancer. But my dad pushed me into acting and singing, saying a dancer’s career ends at 20. I do love dancing, but as you get older your ankles, hips, and feet aren’t as strong. I’d worry about whether my body could cope.”

Supporting a Co-Star This Year

While she won’t be donning sequins this autumn, Reeves is backing her friend Alex Kingston, who she starred alongside in Hope Springs. “She’s so gorgeous, and she’s representing my era. I’d love them to ask me again, but it is hard work,” she added.

Emmerdale actress Sian Reeves joins Coronation Street as she's spotted filming alongside Kevin Webster – The Sun | The Sun

A Busy Career Beyond Strictly

Despite missing her chance on the dancefloor, Reeves has kept her career thriving:

She has just released her autobiography, 40 Miserable Years Later, with proceeds funding a new Musical Theatre Award to support students financially.
She has launched a podcast and expressed a desire to do more radio, having guest presented on BBC Wales.
She will appear in upcoming CBBC comedy High Hoops as Aunty Leena.
She is set to film an episode of Death in Paradise in Guadeloupe.

Giving Back Through Charity

Away from the screen, Reeves works closely with Dementia Adventure, inspired by her aunt’s diagnosis. The charity recently launched its Green Letter Day initiative, offering carers and loved ones short supported breaks.

Reeves explained: “It’s a day where the person with dementia can enjoy themselves and the carer can relax. A picnic, a cricket match, even flower arranging — simple things that mean the world when you’ve been living in fear and isolation.”