Alison Hammond Confirms BBC Approach for Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Role
In a surprising revelation, Alison Hammond, the beloved This Morning host, has disclosed that the BBC approached her to take over the coveted hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing, following the joint departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. However, fans of the popular dance competition will be disappointed to learn that Hammond has turned down the opportunity, citing an overwhelmingly busy schedule.
Unexpected Admission from the This Morning Star
During a candid interview with Radio Times, Hammond admitted, 'You didn't expect that answer, did you? I can't lie, I'm incapable.' She confirmed that Strictly bosses had indeed reached out to her, but her commitments to other projects made it impossible to accept. 'I'm so busy, babes, that I'm not sure it's going to happen. It's unrealistic. I'm so happy they considered me but, like Traitors, I can't do it because everything clashes,' she explained.
Hammond is currently juggling her role on Great British Bake Off and preparing for her new show, Your Song, set to premiere on Channel 4 later this year. Reflecting on the decision, she added, 'I would have loved to have done it – anybody that gets it, they're going to land the perfect job. But I'm so happy with everything I've got. What would I drop, to do Strictly?'
Speculation and Contenders for the Hosting Role
The search for new hosts has been a hot topic since Daly and Winkleman announced their departure midway through the last series, a move that reportedly blindsided the BBC. Weekly favorites have emerged, including:
- Emma Willis
- Rylan Clark
- Bradley Walsh
- Zoe Ball
- Angela Scanlon
- Miranda Hart
Hammond was widely tipped as a frontrunner, making her decline a significant blow to the show's plans. The BBC has yet to announce replacements, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.
Major Shake-Ups in Strictly Come Dancing Line-Up
Beyond the hosting changes, Strictly Come Dancing is undergoing a substantial overhaul for its return this autumn. Four professional dancers have been confirmed as departing:
- Luba Mushtuk
- Michelle Tsiakkas
- Nadiya Bychkova
- Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female star
Hauer shared the news with fans on Instagram, expressing gratitude and promising to continue entertaining. Additionally, Gorka Marquez, another long-standing pro, is said to have been cut, though his exit was less surprising given his judging role on the Spanish version of Strictly. Reports also indicate that Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be benched again, without celebrity partners for the upcoming series.
What's Next for Strictly Come Dancing?
As the show prepares for its return to BBC One later this year, the search for new hosts continues amidst these significant cast changes. The departure of key figures like Hammond from consideration adds to the uncertainty, but the BBC remains committed to delivering another exciting season. Fans can expect more announcements in the coming months as the production team finalizes the line-up and addresses the hosting void left by Daly and Winkleman.
Strictly Come Dancing has long been a staple of British television, and these developments mark a pivotal moment in its history. With Hammond out of the running, speculation will likely intensify around other potential candidates, keeping the public engaged until official confirmations are made.
