GK Barry says she ‘can’t’ respond to Strictly Come Dancing theory
The star is keeping tight-lipped about the rumours.
GK Barry has said she ‘can’t’ confirm whether she turned down Strictly Come Dancing in order to appear in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
The 25-year-old YouTuber was one of the many guests at Metro’s inaugural Pride Awards in London on Wednesday night.
Before receiving the Rising Star award, GK, whose full name is Grace Keeling, chatted about her contribution to the LGBTQ+ community and some of her recent TV appearances.
It was previously reported that the Loose Women newbie shunned Strictly Come Dancing in favour of fellow ITV show I’m A Celebrity at the end of last year – and while at this event, she said she couldn’t comment on the speculation.
‘I turned down a show, but I can’t say which show,’ Grace told Metro while on the red carpet at the event.
When asked if she was glad she ended up picking I’m A Celebrity over the mystery show, she said: ‘Yeah, definitely.
‘I think I’m A Celebrity allowed me to show my personality a little bit more.’
An insider previously told The Sun: ‘She did have several meetings with Strictly, but ultimately decided it wasn’t the best fit and is keen to pursue her telly career with ITV.’
Fans loved her appearance in the jungle (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)While in the jungle, the star garnered a lot of support from viewers as she had hilarious reactions to bushtucker trials and formed sweet friendships with her fellow campmates.
While in the jungle, she opened up to he fellow campmates about how she told her parents she was a lesbian.
She revealed while accepting a speech at the Metro Pride awards that she was flooded with messages of encouragement from fans who were inspired to come out to their families after hearing her story.
GK was reunited with some of her campmates at the awards ceremony (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)‘When I came out of I’m A Celebrity, I didn’t know they aired my coming out story,’ she said as she accepted her award presented by Oti Mabuse and Dean McCullough.
‘So for me it was like “I’m gay!” and my parents were like “Cool, so we’re having lasagna tonight” so it wasn’t really a big deal for me.
‘But it feels really amazing to be a part of this amazing community where we all support each other -as a lot of people don’t have that support.’
The winners of Metro Pride Awards 2025:Icon Award
Winner: The Vivienne
Brand of the Year
Winner: British Airways
Highly commended: Just Eat
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award
Winner: Create Fertility
Highly commended: MSB Solicitors
LGBTQ+ Network Group
Winner: ScottishPower – In-Fuse
Highly commended: Spire Healthcare – LGBTQ+ Colleague Network
Most Inclusive Employer
Winner: London Stock Exchange
Highly commended: Moody’s
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility
Winner: Nissan
Grassroots or Charity Organisation of the Year
Winner: Just Like Us
Highly commended: LGBT Foundation
Celebrity of the Year
Winner: Edward Einninful OBE
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Winner: Open Media
Highly commended: Millwall Romans – Millwall F.C.
Business of the Year
Winner: Wickes
Highly commended: Macquarie
Best Breakthrough Business
Winner: Williams & Hirst
Highly commended: Mildreds
Rising Star Award
Winner: GK Barry
Sports Hero of the Year
Winner: Cindy Ngamba
Business Ally
Winner: Lauryn Yuen, TikTok
Highly commended: Emma Carey, MSB Solicitors
Broadcaster of the Year
Winner: Robert Rinder MBE
LGBT+ Trailblazer
Winner: Suki Sandhu OBE and Simon Jones
LGBT+ Business Leader
Winner: Elliot Barton, Tatti Lashes
Highly commended: Anna Deignan, The Premier League
Music Hero of the Year
Winner: Will Young
Inspirational Ally
Winner: Sharleen Spiteri
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Stephen Fry
Metro Global Recognition Award
Winner: Anastacia
Grace won the Rising Star award (Picture: Belinda Jiao)Speaking to Metro, she added that she felt that it was important for the entertainment industry to come together and celebrate with awards and recognition.
‘I just think it’s absolutely amazing to be in a room full of people that are part of the community or so are supporting each other.
‘I feel like this industry can be quite a toxic place, especially if you’re someone who is part of that community. So it’s nice to celebrate.’
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.
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