Alison Hammond Rules Out Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Role and Celebrity Traitors Appearance
Beloved television presenter Alison Hammond has officially turned down two major television opportunities, confirming she will not be hosting Strictly Come Dancing or appearing on Celebrity Traitors. The 51-year-old star, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, cited an overwhelmingly busy schedule as the primary reason for declining these coveted roles.
Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Offer Declined
Alison Hammond was heavily rumoured to be in contention for the prestigious Strictly Come Dancing hosting position following the departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of 2025. The duo had fronted the BBC's flagship Saturday night entertainment programme for over two decades, creating significant anticipation about their successors.
In a recent interview with Radio Times, Hammond revealed she had indeed been approached about taking on the presenting role but explained that her packed diary made the opportunity "unrealistic." She expressed both gratitude and regret about the situation, stating: "I'm so happy they considered me but, like Traitors, I can't do it because everything clashes."
This confirmation comes just days after Hammond herself suggested she would be a perfect fit for the Strictly hosting job, describing it as made for her. However, she now faces the practical reality of her existing commitments, questioning: "What would I drop, to do Strictly?"
Celebrity Traitors Also Rejected
In addition to the Strictly Come Dancing hosting opportunity, Hammond has also confirmed she will not be participating in the upcoming series of Celebrity Traitors. The BBC programme, which features celebrities navigating deception and strategy in a Scottish castle, is set to begin filming in the coming weeks with several high-profile names expected at the round table.
Hammond's dual rejections mean viewers will not see her in either of these prominent television roles, despite her evident enthusiasm for both opportunities. She acknowledged the appeal of these positions, telling Radio Times: "I would have loved to have done it, anybody that gets it, they're going to land the perfect job."
Hammond's Strictly History and Personal Triumph
Alison Hammond is no stranger to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, having competed in the show's twelfth series in 2014 alongside professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. The pair managed to reach tenth place in the competition, but Hammond's journey to the dance floor was not without obstacles.
She revealed that she was initially told she couldn't participate in Strictly because of her weight, with producers suggesting she needed to lose weight before joining the show. Hammond defiantly refused to listen to this advice, proudly stating: "I did Strictly when I was 25 stone!" Her participation represented a significant personal triumph against body-shaming attitudes in the entertainment industry.
Search for New Strictly Presenters Continues
With Hammond now out of contention, speculation continues about who might fill the substantial shoes left by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Several names have been circulating in media reports, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Sian Welby – Hammond's fellow This Morning presenter.
Comedian Tom Allen has also expressed interest in the role, telling reporters he would love to "put his name in the top hat" for hosting duties. He acknowledged the challenge of following Daly and Winkleman, describing them as having left "enormous shoes to fill" after their "amazing job" over many years.
Legacy of the Previous Hosts
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 after 21 years with the programme. In their emotional farewell statement, Daly reflected on their tenure beginning in 2004 with the late Bruce Forsyth, noting: "It's been a huge part of our lives, hasn't it? Since our children were literally babes in arms and now they're young adults."
Winkleman added their gratitude to both the production team and loyal audience, emphasizing: "We're so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and we just want to thank the Strictly team because Strictly is the people who make it." Daly concurred, praising the team as "the very best in television" and acknowledging the viewers' unwavering support throughout their two-decade journey.
As the BBC continues its search for new presenting talent, Alison Hammond remains content with her current television portfolio, which includes her regular role on This Morning. Despite the missed opportunities, she maintains a positive outlook, concluding: "I'm so happy with everything I've got."
