Strictly favourite confirms she was turned down for hosting gig with emotional statement
It comes after Zoe Ball confirmed she was out of the running.
Fleur East has admitted she feels "bothered" after missing out on the chance to become a host on Strictly Come Dancing. The singer and presenter emotionally opened up on her Hits Radio breakfast show after reports emerged suggesting Emma Willis is set to front the BBC dance show following the departure of long-running hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Fleur, 38, who previously competed on Strictly before later hosting spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two, revealed she had quietly hoped to land the role herself. Speaking candidly on air, she said: "I’ve kind of lied to myself that I’d be all right with not doing it or not being considered for the job. But I’m kind of bothered…"
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing legend 'set to join' Emma Willis as new hosts 'confirmed'
Read more: Zoe Ball 'grieving' Strictly Come Dancing gig as BBC 'rejects' her as new host
The former X Factor star admitted she initially tried to convince herself she would be happy for whoever got the role, but said the reality of someone else being chosen had been difficult to process. Fleur explained she had never fully allowed herself to believe she would definitely get the presenting job, but admitted she did imagine how exciting it would have been.
She said being part of the Strictly family had been "an incredible job" and described the programme as an "amazing show".
The presenter added: "When you’re within touching distance of something like that… I did think about it. I was like, that would be amazing."
Fleur went on to admit she had been "coming to terms" with the disappointment, especially once reports emerged that the BBC had moved forward with other candidates.
She said that before the reports surfaced, part of her still believed she "might get the call one day".
Her emotional comments come after Zoe Ball also confirmed she had not landed the role amid intense speculation over who will front the next era of Strictly.
While Emma Willis is widely reported to have secured one hosting slot, the BBC has yet to officially announce who will join her, with names including Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe rumoured to be in the running.
A BBC spokesperson previously said plans for Strictly Come Dancing’s new presenting line-up would be confirmed "in due course".
