Big Brother presenter Will Best could be set to follow in the footsteps of his co-host AJ Odudu as he has reportedly signed up for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
Strictly Christmas Line-Up Revealed
The 40-year-old television host is among the names being touted to appear in the festive edition of the beloved BBC dancing competition. According to reports, Will Best has caught the attention of BBC bosses after his successful stint hosting the revived Big Brother alongside AJ Odudu.
Other celebrities rumoured to be joining the Christmas special include TOWIE's Jessica Wright, 40, money saving expert Martin Lewis, 53, and television presenter Angellica Bell, 49. A source told The Sun: 'Will has been a huge hit hosting Big Brother alongside AJ Odudu and BBC bosses were keen to snap him for the Strictly special.'
Following in Co-Host's Footsteps
If Will participates, he would be emulating his Big Brother co-presenter AJ Odudu, who competed in the main 2021 series but was forced to withdraw due to an injury that prevented her from performing in the final. The source added about Will's potential participation: 'He will have zero issues slipping into a skimpy, sequinned, see-through outfit and I can't imagine viewers will have any complaints.'
Regarding other potential contestants, the source mentioned: 'Angellica adores Strictly but it's all about timing and right now, talks are ongoing.' BBC executives are apparently hoping Will's appearance will be a great success, with insiders believing the platform could lead to more BBC work for the presenter.
Hosting Changes and Replacement Speculation
The Christmas special will mark a significant moment in Strictly history as it represents the final hosting appearance for both Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. The presenting duo, who made history as the BBC's first female hosting partnership, recently announced they will step down together after 21 years with the show.
In their joint announcement, Claudia stated: 'There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.' Tess added: 'We have news, after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.'
Speculation about their replacements has already begun, with several names emerging as front runners. Zoe Ball currently leads the betting at 2-1 favourite, having previously hosted the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two. Other potential candidates include Holly Willoughby, Stacey Dooley, Kevin Clifton, Roman Kemp, former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, and former contestant Alex Scott.
For Jessica Wright, appearing on Strictly would continue a family connection to the show, as her brother Mark Wright competed back in 2014. Meanwhile, Martin Lewis would represent an unexpected but potentially popular choice given his profile as a consumer champion.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for the BBC, Will Best, Angellica Bell, Martin Lewis, and Jessica Wright for comment regarding these casting rumours.
