Capital FM presenter Sian Welby has revealed she broke down in tears after a gruelling two-and-a-half-hour audition to become a host of Strictly Come Dancing, a role ultimately won by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. The 40-year-old told OK! Magazine that the process was an honour to be part of but left her overwhelmed.
“It was an absolute honour to be in the mix, but it was a gruelling process with no messing about,” Sian explained. “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.”
Other stars who missed out
Sian is not alone in her disappointment. BBC Radio 1’s Clara Amfo confirmed on her podcast Into It that she also auditioned for the main hosting job. “I tried out for the main job of Strictly Come Dancing. Didn’t get it. [I was a] bit gutted at the time, but quickly got over it,” she said, adding that she auditioned “with another presenter” without naming them.
Former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball also missed out, telling her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley: “I didn’t get it, but it’s OK. I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.” She added that the successful hosts were “going to be fabulous” and viewers were likely to be “in safe hands”.
Bookies’ favourites and other contenders
Rylan Clark, another bookie’s favourite due to his previous stint on It Takes Two, issued a statement congratulating the new hosts: “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.” He added: “This wasn’t my time sadly but am extremely grateful to even have been considered.”
Radio presenter Sara Cox told listeners she “tried out for Strictly!” and described it as “the most gorgeous experience”, while Fleur East, a former Strictly runner-up, confessed on Hits Radio Breakfast that she was “kind of bothered” about missing out. Other names linked to the role include Angela Scanlon, Alex Jones, Miranda Hart, Alison Hammond, Bradley Walsh, La Voix, and Tom Allen.
Strictly Come Dancing airs at weekends on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
