Former Strictly Hosts to Watch New Series Together
Claudia Winkleman has disclosed that she and Tess Daly intend to watch the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing as viewers, having stepped down from their hosting roles last year. The departure of the duo, who fronted the BBC dancing show for years, has sparked widespread speculation about their successors.
Intimate Viewing Plans Revealed
In an interview with The Mirror, Winkleman, 54, shared details of their planned gathering. "Tess and I have already planned... we are having jacket potatoes and I am having the salmon," she said. "She is coming to ours, her and Vern (husband Vernon Kay), I am not joking." The Traitors host added that she would "set her up with a nightie and we are going to watch and support and love it." This marks a shift from their on-screen partnership to a personal viewing experience as the show returns later this year.
Alison Hammond Clarifies Her Position
Among the rumoured candidates to join the programme is Alison Hammond, 51, known for This Morning and The Great British Bake Off. Previously, she distanced herself from the coveted gig, citing a busy schedule with existing TV projects. In a statement to Radio Times, Hammond remarked, "I'm so busy babes, that I'm not sure it's going to happen. It's unrealistic." She expressed admiration for the role but questioned what she would drop to take it on.
However, in a recent interview with Metro, Hammond has since clarified her stance. "Do you think I would turn down Strictly if Strictly came along? Who would turn down Strictly! They'd be absolutely crazy," she revealed. Hammond explained that she was trying to downplay the rumours to improve her chances, stating, "I'm not too busy, I'm fitter than I've ever been before. I can do Strictly. I can do it all." She concluded by putting it on record that she is capable and willing to take on the hosting duties.
Bradley Walsh Emerges as a Frontrunner
Elsewhere, Bradley Walsh has become a leading contender for the new host of Strictly Come Dancing. Last week, reports indicated that filming for The Chase, which Walsh has presented since 2009, has been halted for "at least a year." The 65-year-old presenter is said to be a favourite among producers for the BBC dancing show.
However, TV insiders suggest Walsh could face a significant dilemma. He is currently the face of another major Saturday night show, Gladiators, which he hosts alongside his son Barney, 28. The nineties reboot, launched in 2024, has been an instant ratings hit, spanning three series, two celebrity versions, and a CBBC spin-off. Many Gladiators have made appearances on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and The Great British Sewing Bee.
If Walsh were to secure the Strictly job, he might have to step away from Gladiators, a move that could impact his son's presenting career. This potential conflict adds complexity to the ongoing host selection process, as the BBC navigates finding suitable replacements for Winkleman and Daly.
