Top star 'snubs Strictly presenting role' as new duo 'revealed'
The top contender removed himself despite it being a "dream job".
The replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have reportedly been confirmed, but it comes as one fan-favourite has ruled themselves out of taking over. Rylan Clark, who was one of the hosts with highest odds to take over from the dynamic duo, is said to have taken himself out of the running despite having successful screen tests. The TV favourite was supported to become one of the new hosts after presenting It Takes Two from 2019-2023, before leaving the series as Fleur East took over the show.
He made it clear that Strictly would always mean a lot to him, so viewers were convinced that when the opportunity emerged he would jump at the opportunity to host the main show, with a source stating the gig would have been a "dream job" for Rylan. However, after the chemistry test, it's reported he ruled himself out.
Insiders have told The Sun that he's told friends he's doing panto instead, but added that he wasn't the direction Strictly wanted to go in so he "ruled himself out before anyone could say otherwise".
It comes as Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are expected to be announced as the new presenting duo, while the likes of Holly Willoughby, Alan Carr, and Amanda Holden were all in the running. It'll be the first time since 2014 that new presenters have stepped in to host the show after an incredibly long tenure for Tess and Claudia.
Tess was even a host far before then, working on Strictly with Bruce Forsyth when it first launched, but they decided it was time to call it quits last year.
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They confirmed their exit back in October and issued a final statement during their last show as Tess said: "Most importantly, from both of us, thank you at home for watching. It has been such an honour and an absolute pleasure to have done this with you." While Claudia added: "All that's left to do now is please keep dancing and celebrate our fantastic winners, Kaz and Carlos."
It's been reported that bosses were keen to revamp the show after their exit, while needing to be cautious not to change things too much and push away their audience. The new rumoured hosts, Zoe and Emma, were both top contenders to be stepping into the role.
BBC bosses are yet to formally announce who will be hosting the show this year, but it comes with an influx of change after Fleur East and Janette Manrara left It Takes Two, and multiple professional dancers were also given the boot.
