They’re among the most prestigious job vacancies in showbusiness: the two presenting roles on Strictly.
And for BBC bosses, the hunt is very much on to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the pair quit last month.
‘This is the most serious hiring process the BBC has ever seen,’ says my mole at the BBC. ‘This is one they know they have to get right.’
So who are Strictly bosses considering to be crowned the new hosts? And what are their chances…
Bradley Walsh
The BBC signed him up to host its remake of Blankety Blank, and were also thrilled to have him cast in Doctor Who between 2018 and 2022.
But Bradley’s exclusivity remains elusive – he still hosts ITV’s quiz show The Chase. Not only are bosses keenly aware of how much the public adore him, they also think the 65-year-old is ‘as close to’ the late Sir Bruce Forsyth – the original Strictly host – as you can get.
My insider says: ‘The BBC know that luring Bradley on to Strictly would mean they wouldn’t only keep their current viewers, but he would bring his own loyal fans with him too.’
STRICTLY SCORE: 10
Katie Hind analyses whether Holly Willoughby and Bradley Walsh could be offered the job to host Strictly
As soon as Tess and Claudia made their surprise announcement, Katie Hind was told Alan Carr, 49, would take over
Alan Carr
As soon as Tess and Claudia made their surprise announcement, my phone was pinging with messages from my contacts claiming that Alan, 49, would take over.
This was before he had won Celebrity Traitors in front of 14 million viewers – but, of course, BBC bosses have been aware of his victory for months. He’s got a track record too, having been presenting television shows for 29 years.
‘Alan is the perfect luvvie for Strictly,’ says my source. ‘He’s a right laugh, and he loves a sequin or two.’
He is also deemed to be a ‘good mix’ of broadcasting talent as he’s ‘very naughty but in a fun way.’
STRICTLY SCORE: 9
Holly Willoughby
I was tipped two years ago that Claudia would leave Strictly this year and also that Holly Willoughby would take over.
Holly, 44, and her TV executive husband Dan Baldwin, who makes BBC success stories Michael McIyntre’s The Wheel and Gladiators, are close to the former Beeb controller Charlotte Moore.
Six years ago Holly and Bradley made a pilot for a Saturday night show but further plans were quashed by Covid. Could Strictly be where they are reunited?
However, Holly carries baggage too – the fall-out from her This Morning exit undoubtedly tarnished her brand. And she hosted Dancing On Ice – described as ITV’s ‘poor man’s version of Strictly’ – for several years which may turn BBC bosses off the idea.
STRICTLY SCORE: 10
Zoe Ball
Zoe Ball ticks all the boxes: A seasoned presenter, a former contestant and she hosted the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two for ten years between 2011 and 2021
She ticks all the boxes – a seasoned presenter, a former contestant and she hosted the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two for ten years between 2011 and 2021. But there are fears she’d be against taking a job with such a huge commitment.
She recently stood down as host of the Radio 2 breakfast show as she wanted more of a work/life balance.
‘Zoe’s links to the show make her the ideal choice but the view is she just won’t do it,’ I’m told. ‘Strictly is all-consuming.’
However, my source reminded me Zoe, 54, might be tempted if she could host alongside Alan. The pair hosted ITV show Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream together two years ago and had a ball.
STRICTLY SCORE: 8
Janette Manrara
Strictly pro Janette began her foray into presenting four years ago when she stood back from dancing while she and her husband Aljaz Skorjanec tried for a baby, taking over from Zoe Ball on It Takes Two.
She was a revelation, according to bosses. Viewers, too, loved the 41-year-old – indeed, she’s one of the shows most adored professional dancers. All this is strongly in her favour – but she lacks experience.
‘Everyone loves Janette,’ says my Strictly insider. ‘She’s done a great job of It Takes Two, but does she have the credentials and presenting talent that Claudia or Tess has? No.’
STRICTLY SCORE: 6
Strictly pro Janette began her foray into presenting four years ago when she stood back from dancing while she and her husband Aljaz Skorjanec tried for a baby, taking over from Zoe Ball on It Takes Two
Alex Jones
So much about Alex Jones, host of The One Show, would be right for Strictly, with a supposed pairing with Bradley Walsh being discussed.
She’s regarded as the ‘calm head’ within the Corporation. Plus Alex, 48, appeared on the show in 2011. Yet some say she’s a little lacking in showbiz charisma.
‘She’s a safe choice,’ says my source. ‘But maybe far too safe, she’s a bit “head girl” and sensible. At least the BBC would know there would be no messing up.’
STRICTLY SCORE: 7
Rylan Clark
While some would relish the Strictly limelight, others would find it all a little too much. Rylan Clark is one of those, I’m told.
He hosted It Takes Two between 2019 and 2023 alongside Zoe Ball. The former Radio 2 show host also has a huge following in ‘middle England’.
Yet while Rylan, 37, has had the pick of some of the biggest jobs in television in recent years, he’s turned many down.
The reason, I’m told, is he wants to remain ‘under the radar’. He simply doesn’t want his life to be picked apart.
Says a friend of his: ‘While Rylan does nothing untoward, he knows if he hosted Strictly his life would come under the microscope and that’s the last thing he wants.’
STRICTLY SCORE: 7
While some would relish the Strictly limelight, others would find it all a little too much. Rylan Clark is one of those, Katie Hind is told
Anton Du Beke
Anton, 59, could be the next Brucie – a luvvie who has years of ballroom experience.
Deeply embedded in the world of Strictly, he started as a professional back in 2004, when the show launched, before becoming a judge in 2021.
‘If anyone knows the right questions to ask as a host, it’s Anton,’ says my source. ‘He also has the most lovely empathetic style which would allow him to commiserate with the contestants.’
Despite this, my mole believes hosting a show of the magnitude of Strictly is ‘one step too far’ for Anton, and that he is ‘truly valued’ as a judge.
STRICTLY SCORE: 6
Stacey Dooley
Stacey is beloved at the BBC for having that prized quality of ‘relatability’ thanks to her working-class background and accent.
She won the show in 2018 with Kevin Clifton, and they now have a two-year-old daughter.
However, it shouldn’t be forgotten Stacey, 38, dumped her boyfriend Sam Tucknott three months after winning the show – and not long after, hooked up with Kevin.
‘Strictly bosses hate any mention of the “curse”,’ says my source. ‘That could work against Stacey because they just know it will get brought up again and again.’
STRICTLY SCORE: 5
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond is the woman of the moment in many respects and the BBC are very keen to snatch her from ITV and make her their own big star, Katie Hind understands
She’s the woman of the moment in many respects and the BBC are very keen to snatch her from ITV and make her their own big star.
‘The BBC know how much it annoys ITV boss Kevin Lygo when they try and take Alison,’ says my source. ‘It’s become a bit of a laugh at the BBC now.’
But securing Alison isn’t just about inter-broadcaster rivalry. She has genuine credentials for the role: after replacing Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on This Morning, the 50-year-old has won many fans and hosts Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off.
Yet for all this, my Strictly source isn’t convinced: ‘Surely the Hammond bubble has burst by now, or if it hasn’t, hopefully it will soon.’ Ouch.
STRICTLY SCORE: 7
