‘Why I Declined to Replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly Come Dancing’
With under six months until the new Strictly Come Dancing season begins, the BBC has still not announced who will replace departing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The vacancy has sparked intense speculation about possible presenters. One well-known television face has confirmed she will not take the role.
Alison Hammond rules herself out
Alison Hammond, 51, who presents This Morning and has hosted for The Great British Bake Off, revealed she was approached. She said she cannot add the role to her current schedule. Hammond told Radio Times that multiple commitments make a Strictly switch unrealistic.
She indicated she would have loved to do the job. But scheduling conflicts and existing projects mean she declined to replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly Come Dancing. Hammond added she is happy with her present work and unsure what she would drop to take on the ballroom job.
Other presenting names under consideration
- Zoe Ball
- Angela Scanlon
- Rylan Clarke
These presenters have been linked with the role in recent reports. Amanda Holden also addressed the speculation. She told listeners on Heart Breakfast that she and Alan Carr are “100% not doing” the show.
Holden said both she and Carr turned down the offer months ago. They cited commitments to other projects as the reason for stepping back.
Major changes among professional dancers
The presenter shake-up is only part of the transformation. Several professional dancers will not return for the coming series. Some have left voluntarily. Others had contracts end.
- Karen Hauer — longest-serving female professional, 14 years on the show
- Nadiya Bychkova
- Gorka Marquez
- Luba Mushtuk
- Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle Tsiakkas also quit the touring production after learning her main show contract was not renewed. She described leaving as a very hard decision.
Role adjustments and group dances
Reports say Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will not have celebrity partners next season. They are expected to appear in group numbers instead. The changes will introduce a number of new professional dancers to viewers.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments as the BBC confirms presenters and the final professional line-up. Fans remain eager to see who steps into the high-profile hosting roles and which pros will fill the vacant spots.
