Rylan Clark has spoken out after missing out on the Strictly Come Dancing hosting job. The 37-year-old presenter, who previously fronted Strictly: It Takes Two, had been tipped as a possible replacement for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the BBC show at the end of last year.
On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would take over as hosts. Shortly afterwards, Rylan shared a statement on Instagram alongside a video of himself sobbing in jest.
He wrote: "Just wanted to say as it was reported I was in 'The Race' for strictly, the biggest congrats to my Emma and equal congrats to Johannes and Josh. You're all going to have the best time. Made up for you's This wasn't my time sadly but am extremely grateful to even have been considered. I'm taking the news really well (see next slide) but genuinely looking forward to the new series with you three x"
Emma, who previously worked with Rylan on Big Brother, said in reaction to her appointment: "It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Strictly – I've cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can't quite comprehend." She added: "It's impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter."
The BBC announced the news in an Instagram post, with a voiceover saying: "Quiet please, Strictly host reveal 2026, please take your positions." The new series is due to begin in September 2026.
