His 67-day tenure as England football manager was ignominiously terminated following a 'sting' operation which exposed his apparent willingness to accept payment in return for circumventing FA transfer rules.
But now 'Big Sam' Allardyce is on the threshold of a new role which may propel him to national treasure status.
For I can disclose that the 64-year-old, whose most recent stint in the managerial dug-out was at Everton, is in discussions with the BBC to appear on its flagship programme, Strictly Come Dancing.
Big Sam' Allardyce, 64, is in discussions with the BBC to appear on its flagship programme, Strictly Come Dancing
'He met TV executives this week in a hotel bar,' my sequined informant tells me, before adding that 'Big Sam', who owes his nickname both to his height – 6ft 3in – and substantial physique, took the opportunity to inquire what sort of standards he needed to meet.
'They assured him that the show's edited so that no one comes across as a terrible dancer, mentioning Katie Piper as someone who was not 'a natural' but who got the public behind her.
'They were talking to him about the Christmas special but emphasised that they want him on a whole series, rather than just a one-off.'
This seems to have heartened Allardyce, who inquired about two previous stars from the world of football — former England striker John Barnes and combative Welsh midfielder Robbie Savage, once dubbed the dirtiest player in the history of the Premier League.
Savage, who partnered Ola Jordan in 2011, managed sixth place, while Barnes was seventh in 2007, with the consolation of becoming the first male celebrity contestant to secure a perfect ten from the judges for his salsa.
That was good enough for Big Sam, known for his uncompromising work in midfield during his playing days.
And it seems he is not worried about public criticism of his dancing. 'He said: 'Whatever they can say, I've had twice as bad.' '
The BBC declines to comment on his prospective debut, while Allardyce's spokeswoman says that she is 'not able to confirm anything'. Let's hope that the Beeb bungs him a decent fee.
How Serena keeps all her balls in the air
A role model on the tennis court, Serena Williams is now turning her talents to showing off her own clothing creations, posing in a £90 red twist-front dress from her eponymous new range.
The 37-year-old mother-of-one says the inspiration behind her designs are 'strong women everywhere'.
Serena Williams is now turning her talents to showing off her own clothing creations, posing in a £90 red twist-front dress from her eponymous new range
Her top priority remains her 18-month-old daughter, Olympia, whose father is Serena's husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
'I'm a super hands-on mum, I have been with her every day since she was born,' she says.
'We haven't spent a day apart. It's definitely not easy, and I'm juggling more than I'm used to.'
Writer and actress Phoebe makes a Killing with Eve
In acclaimed, BBC sitcom Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge's character runs a failing cafe and is forced to borrow cash from her family. In real life, the actress and writer of hit drama Killing Eve is doing rather well, thank you.
She raked in £237,300 in cash last year and is owed a further £11,000 from debtors, reveal the first set of accounts for her company PMWB – named after her initials. Phoebe, 33, is courting Martin McDonagh, the director behind Oscar-winning film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, after splitting from her husband, the documentary film-maker Conor Woodman.
The pair still own the £700,000 marital home in North London they bought together four years ago.
Think before you ink, says spy Philby's
