Popular television presenter Dermot O'Leary has publicly addressed swirling rumours suggesting he might take over hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing following the departure of current presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The Speculation Surrounding Strictly's New Host
The 52-year-old This Morning star found himself among numerous names circulating as potential replacements after Daly and Winkleman announced last month they would step down from the coveted BBC role at the end of the current series. The speculation gained momentum given O'Leary's extensive experience hosting major television shows.
During an appearance on Ireland's The Six O'Clock Show, hosts Brian Dowling and Katja Mia directly questioned O'Leary about whether BBC executives had approached him. In a dramatic moment, O'Leary turned to the camera and responded with a simple but definitive "Deny" when asked to confirm or deny the rumours.
X Factor Legacy and Simon Cowell's Influence
O'Leary elaborated on his decision, referencing his long-standing association with Strictly's biggest rival, The X Factor. He presented the ITV talent show from 2008 until 2014, briefly departing before returning in 2016 until the programme's shelving in 2018 due to declining ratings.
"You know, being an X Factor kid, that's like Julia Roberts in Sleeping With The Enemy," O'Leary joked, suggesting that joining Strictly would anger his former boss Simon Cowell. He added humourously: "Even though the show's not on TV anymore, he'd still hunt me down!"
Co-host Brian Dowling reinforced this sentiment, exclaiming: "Simon Cowell would not allow that!" highlighting the perceived rivalry between the two entertainment giants.
Other Contenders for the Coveted Role
While O'Leary has ruled himself out, several other high-profile names have emerged as potential successors. Former BBC One Controller Peter Fincham recently claimed that Holly Willoughby, the former host of Dancing On Ice and This Morning, is being lined up for the position.
Fincham revealed to the Daily Mail's Richard Eden that he learned this information from a top industry insider, stating: "My hairdresser also cuts the hair of a well-known channel controller. What's said in Harry's the hairdresser stays in Harry's. But he says with great confidence that Holly Willoughby will take over."
If this prediction proves accurate, it would mark a significant career move for Willoughby, who left This Morning in 2023 after 14 years amid intense public scrutiny.
Industry insiders suggest that if Willoughby secures the role, Strictly bosses might pair her with her close friend Bradley Walsh. The duo previously collaborated on a 2019 pilot called Take Off With Holly & Bradley, though the commissioned series never materialised due to COVID-19 disruptions. They also worked together on ITV's sports comedy panel game Play To The Whistle from 2015.
In an intriguing twist, other sources indicate that Bradley Walsh might instead co-host with Alex Jones, the longstanding presenter of The One Show. Television insiders have revealed that discussions are already underway for the pair to potentially appear in 2026.
A source told The Sun: "Alex and Bradley are both the favourites to take over from Tess and Claudia... they have been in the BBC's sights for some time. Bradley and Alex are both seen as accomplished broadcasters. He brings the wisecracks, and Alex is the calm head who knows how to handle live situations after 15 years of co-hosting The One Show."
The insider confirmed that while "nothing is set in stone yet," discussions involving both presenters had been "moving in a really positive direction" so far.
Adding to the mix of potential candidates, sources have told the Daily Mail that following his hugely successful run on Celebrity Traitors, Alan Carr has entered consideration as a possible contender. An insider hinted: "He has got to be up there with the BBC to get a huge new role. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, Strictly."
Meanwhile, Dermot O'Leary continues his current broadcasting commitments, hosting This Morning on Fridays and during school holidays alongside Alison Hammond, and presenting his Saturday show on BBC Radio 2, a position he has held since 2004.
