Rylan Clark is being tipped to waltz into a coveted presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing, with BBC executives reportedly convinced he would be a "ratings winner" for the flagship dance competition. The move comes as the show seeks two new hosts to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed after 21-year and 15-year stints respectively at the end of the last series.
Rylan's Rise to Television Stardom
Rylan Clark, 37, has built a successful presenting career since 2013, when he first appeared on ITV's This Morning. His television journey began after he came fifth on The X Factor in 2012, a show that was once a direct rival to Strictly Come Dancing. Over the years, he progressed from sharing X Factor gossip on This Morning to becoming a relief presenter and eventually a more regular fixture on the programme.
An insider revealed: "He has so many loyal fans. If he gets the job they will most certainly tune in to Strictly. He will be a ratings winner and the BBC know it." This sentiment underscores the broadcaster's confidence in Clark's ability to attract viewers and revitalise the show's presenting lineup.
Potential Partnership with Angela Scanlon
Rylan Clark could potentially team up with The One Show host Angela Scanlon, who is also set to audition for one of the Strictly vacancies. Insiders believe the pair would offer strong chemistry and an exciting revamp for the programme. Angela Scanlon was a contestant on Strictly in 2023, finishing as the ninth elimination after dancing with professional Carlos Gu.
One source told the Daily Mail: "Rylan has a long-standing association with the show, and Angela has been a contestant. The main thing is they'd be a totally new pairing – no baggage, no former shows, uniquely Strictly. On top of that, they want to be sure that an all-female presenting line-up isn't replaced by an old-fashioned male-female duo where the man takes on a dominant role."
Rylan's Dream Job and Previous BBC Roles
For Rylan Clark, this opportunity represents a dream job. Another source explained: "For Rylan it is his dream job. He loved It Takes Two and the viewers loved him. It would be a no-brainer." Clark previously fronted Strictly's companion show, It Takes Two, from 2019 to 2023, and has hosted his own Rylan On Saturday show on Radio 2. He has also anchored Eurovision coverage for the BBC, showcasing his versatility and appeal to a broad audience.
Born and raised in Stepney, east London, Rylan is said to be "very keen" on the idea of being paired with Angela Scanlon. However, he still faces screen tests scheduled for April, where producers will assess his chemistry with potential co-stars, including the Irish broadcaster.
Other Contenders in the Frame
While Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon are strong frontrunners, other names are also in contention for the presenting roles. These include One Show host Alex Jones, Zoe Ball, and Bradley Walsh, presenter of The Chase. Additionally, speculation has linked current professional dancer Johannes Radebe to the presenting gig, indicating a wide range of possibilities as the BBC aims to refresh the show's image.
The search for new hosts marks a significant transition for Strictly Come Dancing, as it moves beyond the beloved duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. With Rylan Clark's proven track record and fan base, combined with Angela Scanlon's insider experience as a former contestant, the potential pairing could offer a dynamic and modern approach to hosting, aligning with the BBC's goal of maintaining high ratings and viewer engagement.
