Christine Lampard has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to become a new host of BBC One's flagship dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. This follows her recent departure from ITV's daytime show Lorraine, which has freed up her schedule significantly.
A New Chapter After ITV's Cuts
The 46-year-old presenter's role on Lorraine came to an end earlier this year as part of the channel's widespread cost-cutting measures. Both Lampard and fellow presenter Ranvir Singh, 48, were informed they were no longer required to stand in for main host Lorraine Kelly, 65.
The restructuring will see Good Morning Britain take the 9-10am slot for 22 weeks of the year, with Lorraine Kelly hosting all five days for the remaining 30 weeks. Following her final stint, Lampard shared an emotional tribute on Instagram to the crew she called 'family', celebrating with a leaving party that included gifts and champagne.
Why BBC Bosses Are Keen
With the official announcement in October that long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would be stepping down, speculation about their replacements has been intense. Industry insiders now indicate that Christine Lampard is a 'firm frontrunner' for the coveted role.
A TV source explained her appeal, stating: 'She has a huge fanbase from her years fronting breakfast TV and is a pro at handling live TV, which is no mean feat.' They added that producers are particularly attracted to the idea of casting a former contestant, a strategy that proved successful on the spin-off show It Takes Two. Lampard participated in the main show as a contestant back in 2015.
'Now she has more free time she has become a firm frontrunner and a name on everyone’s lips,' the source told The Sun.
Lorraine's Response to the Overhaul
The changes to the Lorraine show have been described as 'heartbreaking' by its iconic host, though she has chosen to remain with the programme. Lorraine Kelly has publicly expressed hope that her audience will stay loyal during the transition.
'Hopefully the audience will still stay with us, because that's the most important thing to me,' Kelly said. She reflected on her long career, noting the unique connection with viewers: 'It's something that I never, ever take for granted... it's an honour.'
As for Christine Lampard's potential move to Strictly, representatives have been approached for comment by The Daily Mail. If the rumours prove true, it would mark a major career shift for the popular presenter, placing her at the helm of one of the UK's most beloved entertainment shows.
