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'Blackadder' star Tony Robinson reveals why he hasn't done 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Tony Robinson says he isn't a 'Strictly Come Dancing' snob, but that doesn't mean he'd like a go on the programme. (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for The National Lottery)
Tony Robinson says he isn't a 'Strictly Come Dancing' snob, but that doesn't mean he'd like a go on the programme. (Getty)

Sir Tony Robinson said reality TV programmes like Strictly Come Dancing "don't hold very much attraction" for him, so it's unlikely we'll see him on the shiny floor any time soon.

The Blackadder star and Time Team presenter became known as a Strictly superfan in 2016, appearing on spin-off chat show It Takes Two and supporting Ed Balls' improbable success in the competition.

But he told Metro this week that he's not interested in trying on some sequins and busting out a jive himself, despite his work in stage musicals including Oliver! at the beginning of his career.

"Most of those programmes have [come calling] at some point, simply because I’ve been on the telly a long time, but they don’t hold very much attraction," said the Baldrick actor.

Read more: Tony Robinson discusses Edward Colston statue toppling

Sir Tony Robinson became a big 'Strictly' fan during Ed Balls' run on the show in 2016. (Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
Sir Tony Robinson became a big 'Strictly' fan during Ed Balls' run on the show in 2016. (Getty)

Read more: Sir Tony Robinson casts doubt on Blackadder reunion rumours

He added: "It’s not snobbery, more that you have to live an artificial life for several weeks if you’re going to be successful on them and I’ve got so much in my own life that I’m enjoying and getting paid for."

While Robinson won't be competing for the glitterball or entering the Australian jungle any time soon, the 75-year-old said he has some TV plans for the near future.

Those plans include a possible revival for his 1980s children's TV show Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, which ran for four series between 1989 and 1994.

He wrote the script for the show, as well as appearing in front of the camera as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham.

Tony Robinson played the Sheriff of Nottingham in 'Maid Marian and Her Merry Men'. (Eureka Entertainment)
Tony Robinson played the Sheriff of Nottingham in 'Maid Marian and Her Merry Men'. (Eureka Entertainment)

Robinson said: "We’re still in meetings about reviving Maid Marian and Her Merry Men and I’ve got myself an acting agent for the first time in ages, as well as three telly things I’m mulling over and a big piece of writing I’m working on."

He has taken on relatively few acting roles in recent years, focusing instead on history programmes including his Channel 5 series Tony Robinson’s History of Britain.

Robinson described the series as "a social history about how ordinary people have made the world we live in".

Watch: Sir Tony Robinson unveils Stonehenge takeover for heritage heroes