The 54-year-old chef became the fifth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing last weekend after failing to impress the judges and viewers with his Halloween-themed American Smooth.
Simon Rimmer and his Sunday Brunch co-host Tim Lovejoy, 49, were joined by guests Johnny Vegas, 47, and Sian Gibson, 41, on the show this morning as they discussed their new film Murder on the Blackpool Express.
Simon revealed his devastation at his Strictly exit when Sian explained what the movie was about, quipping: “Murder. On a coach. In Blackpool.”
“Oh don’t, don’t start,” Tim exclaimed, as Simon put his face in his hands. “Are you alright mate?”
“Three weeks away, Tim,” he replied. “I was three weeks away.”
“I said don’t mention Blackpool,” Tim hissed at the actress. “You’re allowed to come on the show, but don’t mention Blackpool.”
Composing himself after his mock anguish, Simon insisted: “I’m alright.”
“You did Halloween week, which is amazing,” Sian said, trying to console him.
“I did,” he replied. Joking: “I went out on Halloween week but yeah…”
Accidentally rubbing salt into the wound, his Sunday Brunch co-star went on to question Sian and Johnny about what it was like filming in Blackpool, at which point he collapsed into his hands again, begging: “Don’t mention the B word again Tim!”
Later in the show, Simon gushed about his time on Strictly, saying: “That moment when you first stand on the dancefloor, I remember thinking ‘this is quite amazing to be part of this’.”
“Just think what would have happened if you’d made it to Blackpool,” Tim laughed, prompting Simon to warn: “Don’t mention Blackpool.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One, while Sunday Brunch continues next Sunday at 9.30am on Channel 4.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
