Alison Hammond has confirmed she has turned down the chance to host Strictly Come Dancing and will not appear on Celebrity Traitors, citing a packed diary. The 51-year-old This Morning star told Radio Times that despite being approached for both roles, her current commitments make them impossible to take on.
Hammond, who was a contestant on Strictly in 2014, reaching 10th place with Aljaž Škorjanec, acknowledged that hosting the BBC show would be the perfect job, but said: 'I'm so busy that I'm not sure it's going to happen. What would I drop to do Strictly?' She also rejected a spot in the Traitors castle, saying everything clashes with her schedule.
The presenter's decision comes amid speculation over who will replace long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure last year after 21 years. Rumoured candidates include Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Sian Welby. Hammond had previously described herself as a perfect fit for the role but now admits it is unrealistic.
Hammond, who first rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, reflected on her Strictly experience, revealing she was told she was 'too overweight' to take part. She said: 'I'll never forget being told you can't do Strictly. You need to lose weight. I did it when I was 25 stone!' Despite the setback, she remains happy with her current career.
