Gough says the BBC show has made him fitter than ever

Gough, 35, was warned his England one-day career could be over after he opted out of the tour of Pakistan.

"I'm more hopeful of making the World Cup now and the main reason is all the work I have to do for the programme.

"We had five weeks of work before the show started and I'm fitter now than I've been all summer," said Gough.

Gough and partner Lilia Kopylova were ranked second by the judges in the third week of the show.

The Essex pace bowler retired from Test cricket in 2003 but was still a one-day regular before opting to take a break.

But he told the News of the World: "I didn't miss the Pakistan trip because of this programme. I needed a break and wanted to spend more time with my kids.

"Of course, you are taking a huge risk if you do that at my age as the selectors might never call again.

"I've said all along I'd like to make the 2007 World Cup but that's not certain and I know the selectors have to look at other bowlers."

Durham seamer Liam Plunkett has the best chance to stake a claim after being called into the one-day squad in Gough's stead and then filling in for the injured Simon Jones in the Test squad.