Alison Hammond Performs Dramatic U-Turn on Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Claims
Television presenter Alison Hammond has completely reversed her previous statements about turning down an offer to host the BBC's flagship dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. The This Morning host, who also fronts shows like The Great British Bake Off and For the Love of Dogs, now insists she is "not too busy" and would eagerly accept the role if it were offered.
From "Too Busy" to "I Can Do It All"
Earlier this month, Hammond told Radio Times that hosting Strictly was "unrealistic" due to her packed schedule, stating, "I'm so busy, babes, that I'm not sure it's going to happen. Everything clashes." However, in a new interview with Metro, the 51-year-old presenter has walked back those comments entirely.
"Do you think I would turn down Strictly if Strictly came along?" Hammond questioned. "Who would turn down Strictly? They'd be absolutely crazy." She elaborated that her previous remarks were a strategic move, explaining she felt constant speculation about her replacing current hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman was harming her chances.
"I was trying to back them off because ultimately everyone keeps putting my name in the mix and they're ruining my chances of even getting on to Strictly," Hammond said. "You all need to stop talking about it because I need to get in. I can do Strictly. I can do it all."
Competition for the Coveted Role
Hammond is not the only name in contention for the presenting position. Other potential candidates include:
- Bradley Walsh, known for his work on The Chase
- Zoe Ball, a seasoned BBC radio and television presenter
- Alex Jones, host of The One Show
- Janette Manrara, current co-host of Strictly spin-off It Takes Two
When asked about the speculation in January, Zoe Ball acknowledged it would be a "tough act to follow" Daly and Winkleman, but expressed interest, saying, "Obviously, there's part of me that would love to do it."
Janette Manrara, speaking to Woman and Home magazine, called the main Strictly hosting job a "dream job" for anyone in her field, adding, "We'll just see what happens!"
Strategic Silence and Future Prospects
Hammond's reversal highlights the intense media speculation surrounding one of British television's most coveted roles. Her initial claims of being overcommitted appear to have been a tactical attempt to quell rumours, which she believes were jeopardising her actual prospects.
"All these people saying: 'I'm too busy, and I can't do it.' I could do Strictly. Let's put that on the record," Hammond asserted, firmly establishing her availability and enthusiasm for the position.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to return to BBC One later this year, with the hosting lineup yet to be officially confirmed. The ongoing public discussion underscores the show's enduring popularity and the significant interest in who will guide viewers through the glittering competition.
