Television presenter Amanda Holden has publicly shut down widespread speculation that she and fellow star Alan Carr are set to take over the coveted hosting roles on Strictly Come Dancing. The rumours began swirling after the BBC announced that long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would be departing the show after the current series.
The Rumour Mill Goes Into Overdrive
Following the news of Daly and Winkleman's exit last month, after an impressive 14-year partnership, a flurry of potential replacements were named by the media. Holden and Carr, who currently front the popular BBC travel series The Amanda and Alan Show, were reported to be among the frontrunners.
A report in The Sun last weekend claimed the pair, along with several other high-profile names, had been shortlisted for a special "chemistry day." This session, allegedly involving ten celebrities, was said to be organised by BBC bosses to test potential on-screen pairings. The reported list included names such as Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond, and Angela Scanlon.
Holden Sets the Record Straight on Air
Addressing the reports directly on her Heart Radio Breakfast Show with co-host Jamie Theakston on Monday, the 54-year-old presenter was unequivocal. When questioned by the show's entertainment correspondent Ashley Roberts, Holden stated: "There's lots of people in the mix... I want to say now that me and Alan are 100 per cent not doing Strictly."
She expressed that while they were "so flattered" to be included in the conversation and are avid fans of the show, their existing commitments made it impossible. "I do Britain's Got Talent and take up a lot of weekends with that. Alan's career has just blown up, even more because of The Traitors," Holden explained, adding firmly: "Take our names off the list because we're not doing it."
Other Contenders Remain in the Frame
While Holden and Carr have removed themselves from consideration, the search for the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts continues. Alan Carr had previously commented on the speculation to the Daily Mail, noting it was "nice to be in the running" but confirming no one had formally approached him.
Another name frequently mentioned is former Strictly contestant Angela Scanlon. When asked about support from Richard Osman for her to get the job, Scanlon told The Metro it was "phenomenal" to be mentioned alongside the departing hosts, whom she greatly admires.
The final of the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, which will be the last for Daly and Winkleman, airs on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.
