Alan Carr Delivers Hilarious Verdict on Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Rumours
Comedian and television personality Alan Carr has delivered a characteristically humorous explanation for why he will not be taking over hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing. The search for new presenters continues after the departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the conclusion of the 2025 series.
"I Don't Give a S**t": Carr's Blunt Assessment
Despite fan speculation linking him to the coveted role following his success on The Celebrity Traitors, Carr firmly ruled himself out during a press event for his new Channel 4 show, Secret Genius. The 49-year-old offered a candid and comical reason for his decision.
"I just think I like watching [Strictly], I don't love it," Carr admitted. He elaborated that the presenting job "would be better for someone who really, really loves" the iconic dance competition.
In remarks reported by the Daily Mail, Carr was even more direct, stating: "That show is so adored and so loved. You want someone in there who's like, 'Yeah, this Paso Doble was...'. I don't give a s**t. Give it to someone else, yeah." Carr also revealed he had previously been asked to participate as a contestant on the show, not as a host.
Zoe Ball Emerges as Leading Contender
With Carr removing himself from consideration, attention has turned to other potential candidates. One of the clear frontrunners is former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball, who has expressed open interest in the main presenting role.
"Obviously, there's a part of me that would love to do it," Ball said in an interview earlier this month. Her credentials are substantial:
- Hosted the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two for a decade.
- Competed as a celebrity contestant on Strictly in 2005, reaching the final.
- Has experience hosting the main live shows, having temporarily replaced Claudia Winkleman for three weeks in 2014.
Adding to the speculation, Ball's father, Johnny Ball, claimed in December that a decision on the new hosts would be made in the spring. He praised his daughter's potential, suggesting she "would love the job" and had previously excelled in her It Takes Two role.
Wide Field of Rumoured Candidates
The speculation surrounding who will fill the vacant Strictly hosting slots extends beyond Zoe Ball. A diverse range of television personalities have been linked to the positions, creating a competitive field for BBC executives to consider.
Other names frequently mentioned in connection with the role include:
- Paddy McGuinness, known for his work on shows like Top Gear and Take Me Out.
- Current It Takes Two hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
- Stacey Dooley, the documentary maker who won Strictly in 2018.
- La Voix, a 2025 Strictly contestant who has publicly voiced a desire to be considered.
The BBC has yet to confirm an official announcement date for the new presenting team. The departure of Daly and Winkleman, who became synonymous with the show's glitterball glamour, marks a significant transition for one of British television's most beloved programmes. The selection of their successors will be closely watched by millions of loyal viewers when the show returns.
