The BBC is expected to decide on the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing today, according to recent reports. Producers are urgently seeking replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the show last year.
Final Decision Imminent
After a week of secret auditions and numerous high-profile names being considered, a final decision is anticipated this week. A source revealed: 'Yesterday was the final day of screen tests, so bosses have tried out lots of different combinations of hosts together and today they are sitting down to make the decision.' They added: 'They want it done and dusted this week. The announcement may not come for a few more weeks, because obviously contracts will need to be signed, but the powers that be will be naming who they want in closed door meetings as we speak.'
Excitement and Tension
An insider described the process as 'monumental,' noting that producers 'really didn't want to get this wrong, which is why it's been such a long drawn out process. Everyone who has auditioned and been invited for screen tests is on tenterhooks, they just want to know now.' The Sun reported these details, and the Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.
Contenders and Decliners
Names in the running include Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Alex Jones, Fleur East, Emma Willis, Bradley Walsh, and Angela Scanlon. However, notable figures such as Alison Hammond, Alan Carr, and Amanda Holden have ruled themselves out. Alison Hammond turned down the opportunity, citing a busy schedule: 'I'm so busy, babes, that I'm not sure it's going to happen. It's unrealistic. I'm so happy they considered me but, like Traitors, I can't do it because everything clashes.' She previously competed on the show in 2014.
Behind-the-Scenes Overhaul
The host search comes amid significant changes to the programme. Last month, five professional dancers—including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Gorka Marquez—were dropped in what has been described as a 'bloodbath' as BBC bosses aim to refresh the show. Sources claim that bosses considered dancers' TikTok followings when deciding who to axe, prioritising those with larger online followings to attract younger viewers. For instance, axed Nadiya Bychkova has 19,000 followers, while retained Dianne Buswell has 966,000. Similarly, Karen Hauer has 9,000 followers, whereas safe newcomer Alexis boasts 190,000.
