Sara Cox: I love reality TV, but would not do it myself

Radio presenter Sara Cox has admitted that she loves “trashy” reality TV shows, but would flatly refuse to appear on any herself.

The BBC Radio 2 voice said she could “not think of anything worse” than taking part in popular series such as The Jump or Strictly Come Dancing.

“I love watching them but I would never want to be on one, ever, ever, ever, unless it’s got horses on it because I love riding,” she said.

The star told how she and husband Ben Cyzer had become unexpectedly absorbed into ITV’s Love Island – despite catching up several years behind the current series – and began watching much-loved drama Downton Abbey six years after its release.

She continued: “Strictly I absolutely love because I can watch it with the kids and know there’s no swearing or anything I wouldn’t want them to watch.

“I did the Christmas special of Strictly, but I was rubbish – I enjoyed it and I think I am quite a good dancer actually but it takes a certain sort of brain to cope with those routines.

But the 42-year-old said she was loving her move further into the TV industry and is keeping her fingers crossed for plans to go through for a fourth series of BBC two crafts contest The Great Pottery Throwdown, which she presents.

Preparing to host Love In The Countryside – the upcoming BBC 2 dating show with a rural twist – she said: “I’m really chuffed at the moment.

“I’ve got a completely packed schedule. As a freelancer to have a calendar full until mid October is the dream.”