Andy Murray pulls out of huge TV show as BBC bosses left gutted

Andy Murray has turned down the opportunity to star on the new celebrity version of hit BBC show The Traitors, according to reports.

The tennis legend had been set to take part in the popular programme alongside his mum Judy, with BBC bosses keen to have them on board as their first related double act. The mother and son duo had been linked with appearing on the spin-off for some time but have now walked away from talks, leading to a search for their replacements.

In their absence, the BBC has reportedly signed up Charlie and Daisy-May Cooper, the siblings behind hit comedy series This Country.

A source told the Scottish Sun: “It’s a huge shame the talks with Andy and Judy didn’t come off, but bosses are convinced Daisy May and Charlie will make brilliant players. They are both hilarious, witty, and of course have award-winning acting skills to boot.

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"The casting is still under way, but the line-up won’t just be reality stars and the usual faces.”

The show, which is hosted by Claudia Winkleman and set at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, sees a small group of contestants assigned as 'Traitors', with the rest becoming 'Faithfuls'. Together, the 'Faithfuls' must work together to discover and banish the 'Traitors' by voting them out until they have all been eliminated.

If the Murrays had decided to go ahead with appearing on the show, which is set to start filming next year, they would reportedly be starring alongside the likes of Clare Balding and Tom Daley, while Stephen Fry and Robert Peston have also been linked with the show.

The news comes as Murray continues to hone his skills on the golf course in retirement, with the 37-year-old aiming to achieve a scratch handicap. Currently playing off a seven handicap, he made his debut at the prestigious BMW PGA Championship's Pro-Am in Wentworth last month, before taking part at the inaugural BTJA Mike Dickson Golf Day at Hanbury Manor Golf Club in Hertfordshire, which he won.

Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre played alongside the former tennis ace at Wentworth and was impressed by what he saw, as he said: "For someone that's not really played that much, I thought he was good. I was very impressed with his game. He'll be scratch in no time."