Comedian Bill Bailey will front a new BBC acting talent show. Bring the Drama, which begins on Wednesday, February 14, opens up the world of screen drama to eight people who have always dreamt of becoming professional actors but have never had the opportunity

Bill, 59, has been a regular face on our screens since the late ‘90s. Over the course of his career he has appeared in numerous television shows and films including Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You and QI.

Aside from his comedy career Bill has experience in acting – but there was one role that he famously missed out on. Will you be watching Bring the Drama? Let us know in the comments.

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According to the actor he auditioned to play Gimli in Peter Jackson’s highly successful The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The role ultimately went to Welsh actor John Rhys-Davies who was previously familiar to audiences for his role in the Indiana Jones films.

The character of Gimli being played by John Rhys-Davies
Gimli was played by Welsh actor John Rhys-Davies

Undeterred by his failure in that audition Bill also auditioned for the role of another dwarf in The Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit. The comic has said that he was up for the part of Gloin, who was the father of Gimli in the JRR Tolkien novels, following a fan petition to cast him in the role.

Unfortunately for Bill he was also unsuccessful in that role. The part of Gloin went to Peter Hambleton in the three Hobbit films.

Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse holding the Strictly Come Dancing trophy
Bill and Oti Mabuse won Strictly Come Dancing in 2020

Years later Bill would find success in a completely different field when he won BBC dance contest Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 with professional partner Oti Mabuse. He is the show’s oldest winner to date at the age of 55.

Away from the spotlight Bill lives in London with his wife Kristin whom he married in 1998. The couple’s son Dax was born in 2003. Bill has previously described himself as an "avid" fan of science fiction series Star Trek and he is also a supporter of Queens Park Rangers.

Bring the Drama airs on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter.