This Morning presenter Sian Welby has revealed she was left "in tears" after what she described as a "gruelling" process for a new hosting role. The 39-year-old was among the famous faces who auditioned for the presenting roles on Strictly Come Dancing after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departures last year.
An honour to be in the mix
Sian said that while it was "an absolute honour to be in the mix", the process had taken its toll on her. "It was a gruelling process with no messing about," she said in The Mirror's Notebook Magazine.
"I left the audition, got in the car and burst out crying. It was the adrenaline. I'd never concentrated so hard or wanted to impress so much, but it wasn't my time," she added.
Reflecting on the audition
Looking back on her audition, Sian admitted she still wasn't sure whether she "nailed" it or if it was "a car crash". Either way, she looks back on the experience positively and believes Emma Willis is the right fit for the show.
Emma shares hosting duties with Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who joined the show as a professional dancer in 2018. The trio fronted their first live show together on Saturday (September 27), sparking mixed reactions from viewers.
Other contenders
Those who were also in the running to replace long-term presenters Tess and Claudia were former Strictly: It Takes Two hosts Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball. Zoe, who is also a former contestant on the show, claimed she went through "seven stages of grief" after being turned down for the presenting gig.
Previously speaking on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, she said: "I didn't get it, but it's okay. I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days." At the time, the presenter said she had a feeling about who had got the job, adding: "I tell you what, if who I think has got it, we're in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous."
Rylan also expressed disappointment at not bagging the role, writing on Instagram: "Just wanted to say as it was reported I was in 'the race' for strictly, the biggest congrats to my Emma and equal congrats to Johannes and Josh. You're all going to have the best time. Made up for yous."
"This wasn't my time sadly but am extremely grateful to even have been considered." He went on to say he was "genuinely looking forward to the new series with you three".
Strictly Come Dancing continues this week with all 15 dancing duos back on the dance floor for Movie Week. This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV and ITVX.
