Richard Osman has delivered a definitive update on the ongoing search for new Strictly Come Dancing hosts, bluntly dismissing widespread rumours that Alan Carr and Amanda Holden were ever offered the prestigious presenting roles as "nonsense".
Speculation Intensifies Over Strictly Presenter Vacancies
Since the seismic announcement in October that long-standing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly would be departing the BBC's flagship dance competition, the entertainment world has been abuzz with speculation about their replacements. The question of who will step into the iconic presenting shoes has sparked endless debate and numerous unconfirmed rumours across media outlets.
Osman's Firm Denial on Recent Podcast
On Thursday's episode of his popular podcast The Rest is Entertainment, Osman, the 55-year-old former creative director of Endemol UK and former panellist on Strictly's sister show It Takes Two, directly addressed the circulating reports about Carr and Holden.
"Of course, they didn't turn it down. It was never offered to them," Osman stated unequivocally. "No-one sat in a room with Alan and Amanda and said, 'Would you two like to present Strictly?'"
He elaborated further on the selection process, revealing: "I would be fairly confident in saying that it has not yet been offered to anybody. I mean, it will be in the next month or so."
Contradictory Claims from Alan Carr
The denial comes directly in response to claims made by Alan Carr, the 49-year-old comedian and Celebrity Traitors winner, who recently declared on the Table Manners podcast that he and Holden had "said no ages ago" to the Strictly hosting opportunity. Carr suggested the role would be better suited to "someone who really, really loves" the show.
Osman countered this narrative by emphasising the magnitude of the decision facing BBC executives: "They have not decided who's going to host Strictly. And that's a big old show. It's a big old commitment. It has to be somebody who loves that show, probably someone who's been involved in that show to some extent."
All Options Remain Open for BBC
The television personality stressed that the selection process remains completely open, telling listeners: "You can have a wild card, but my understanding is no one's in, no one's out. Two men, two women, a man and a woman; everything is still on the table there."
Potential Candidates in the Running
Osman's reference to someone "involved" in the show has been interpreted by many as a possible nod to Zoe Ball, the radio presenter with extensive Strictly history. After reaching the series three final in 2005, Ball went on to replace Claudia Winkleman as host of It Takes Two in 2011, remaining in that role for a full decade.
Other former members of the Strictly family speculated to be under consideration include:
- Oti Mabuse - The former professional dancer and two-time champion whose sister Motsi continues to serve on the judging panel
- Fleur East and Janette Manrara - The current presenting duo of It Takes Two
- Stacey Dooley - The 2018 Strictly champion and documentary filmmaker
- Paddy McGuinness - The television presenter and comedian
As the BBC prepares to make one of its most significant entertainment decisions in recent years, Osman's comments suggest that while speculation will undoubtedly continue, the actual selection process remains in its early stages with all possibilities still being carefully considered by production executives.
