Lisa Snowdon has said she “would have jumped at the chance” to host Strictly Come Dancing, reflecting on her time as a contestant on the BBC show.
The 54-year-old appeared on the programme in 2008 with professional dancer Brendan Cole, finishing in third place. She later returned for two festive specials.
Hosting ambitions
In an interview with Prima magazine, Snowdon spoke about her desire for another major television role. “I would love another big TV presenting gig,” she said. “Taking part in Strictly was such fun, and I would have jumped at the chance to be a new presenter, but that didn't come up for me.”
Long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the show late last year. Snowdon had been among those rumoured to be in contention, having previously stated she would “love” to host. The new series will be fronted by Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
Midlife makeover show
Snowdon, a former fashion model who has presented programmes such as Britain's Next Top Model, also shared her vision for a new project. “I'd like to do a show offering midlife makeovers for everyone – it's not just women that come to a crossroads in their life, men do, too,” she said. “Something that speaks to my soul, that helps people not just dress in a different way but also live in a different way.”
The TV presenter reflected on how menopause affected her career, causing anxiety that “really impacted my work.” She added: “My confidence was at rock bottom, and I was having panic attacks thinking, 'I can't do my job'. My mind was playing tricks on me.”
Snowdon recounted a specific incident: “One time, I had a hosting job in front of 1,000 people, all in the industry, and I had panic attacks, thinking, 'How do I get out of it?'. It messed with my head, I lost myself. There were jobs I turned down that I should've done, but I can't dwell on it.”
She has previously written a book about her struggles with perimenopause, detailing the physical and emotional symptoms she experienced. Now, she says she feels in a “powerful place” in her life. “I'm 54 now and see this time in my life as a new chapter. It's important to reframe ageing in a more positive way,” Snowdon told the magazine. “It's a powerful time for us to reconnect with ourselves and make big life changes. It's the second spring.”
The September 2026 issue of Prima is now on sale.
