The ballroom fan has finally confirmed that's he's strictly too busy - with his "day job".

But he's still hoping for a ticket to the live final of the top TV show, he revealed in an exclusive video chat with The Star.

Click on the green button to watch our video interview.

Lord Mandelson, who recently hinted he would like to follow the likes of political correspondent John Sergeant, was in the city to launch The Star's search for a Made In Sheffield business winner.

At the Hilton Sheffield he told business leaders that Labour is doing all it can to re-start bank lending and he urged bigger companies to ensure the cash-flow survival of small and medium enterprises.

He said of his earlier interest in Strictly Come Dancing: "I have not had the call. But I've heard that to get on to that programme, and John Sergeant did this, you have to train for about 12 weeks. I think I've got another set of challenges on my hands, with my day job. I don't think I can take the time," he said.

When it was suggested perhaps he might appear in the future, he quipped: "You think I might have some more free time in the future? I don't know what you are predicting.

"I love dancing. I've always been a natural dancer, rather than a trained dancer. But I watch the programme and they said if I behave and play my cards right I can have a seat in the audience for the final show."

Lord Mandelson warns of hard road ahead - CLICK HERE

Bank lending biggest task, Lord Mandelson - CLICK HERE

Made In Sheffield - a hallmark of excellence, Lord Mandelson - CLICK HERE

Sheffield important to economic recover, David Blunkett MP - CLICK HERE

Full a report and photographs on Lord Mandelson's Made in Sheffield visit, see The Star on Saturday, November 29, 2008.

READ MORE
Main news index
Your letters.
Features
More Rotherham news
More Doncaster news
More Barnsley news
Check out the very latest on South Yorkshire's roads - including live traffic cameras on Sheffield's commuter routes - with our Traffic section
Latest sport.