Rylan Clark, the popular presenter of the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two alongside co-host Zoe Ball, has won millions of fans over the years. Now, it appears he has also made a significant impression on BBC executives, as the 37-year-old is reportedly in line for a major promotion. He is being considered as one of the potential replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the BBC's flagship Saturday night dance extravaganza, Strictly Come Dancing.
Audition Process and Potential Co-Hosts
According to BBC sources, Rylan Clark has been invited to an upcoming audition where he will be paired with other potential hosts to assess their on-screen chemistry. Among those being considered is Irish broadcaster and former Strictly contestant Angela Scanlon, aged 42. This move is part of a broader effort by producers to find a fresh presenting line-up with strong connections to the show.
Fresh Approach and Viewer Appeal
Strictly insiders have revealed that bosses are keen on introducing a new pairing without any prior baggage or associations from other shows, aiming for a presentation team that is uniquely dedicated to Strictly. One source told the Daily Mail: 'Rylan has a long-standing association with the show, and Angela has been a contestant. But the main thing is they'd be a totally new pairing – no baggage, no former shows, uniquely Strictly.'
Additionally, there is a conscious effort to avoid reverting to an old-fashioned male-female duo where the male host might dominate. The source added: 'Rylan isn't like that at all. Plus, he absolutely loves the show and the viewers already love him.' This sentiment is echoed by insiders who believe Rylan would eagerly accept the role, with one stating: 'For Rylan it is his dream job. He loved It Takes Two and the viewers loved him. It would be a no-brainer.'
Ratings and Fan Base Considerations
The BBC is reportedly confident that Rylan Clark could be a ratings winner, given his loyal fan base. An insider explained: 'He has so many loyal fans. If he gets the job they will most certainly tune in to Strictly. He will be a ratings winner and the BBC know it.' Rylan, who first found fame in 2012 on The X Factor – once a major rival to Strictly – has been shortlisted but still faces screen tests in a fortnight to evaluate his compatibility with potential co-stars.
Other Contenders and Background
While Rylan is said to be 'very keen' on being paired with Angela Scanlon, who participated in the series in 2023, other names are also in contention. These include One Show host Alex Jones, Zoe Ball, and Bradley Walsh, presenter of The Chase. Rylan's extensive television experience includes fronting It Takes Two from 2019 to 2023, hosting his own Rylan On Saturday show on Radio 2, presenting on ITV's This Morning, and anchoring Eurovision coverage for the BBC.
Legacy of Previous Hosts
The search for new hosts comes after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing last October, following 14 years of hosting the show together. This marks a significant transition for the beloved programme, with BBC bosses aiming to maintain its popularity while introducing a new dynamic to the presenting team.
