Overview
- Alison Hammond confirmed she was approached to host Strictly Come Dancing and said she turned it down because her schedule clashes with other shows.
- She also said she rejected a spot on Celebrity Traitors for the same reason, noting she was happy to be considered but could not make the timings work.
- The BBC has not named replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and outlets report the corporation is testing presenter pairings on screen.
- Bookmaker Coral cut Rylan Clark to odds-on for a hosting role after Hammond’s decision, with markets also highlighting Zoe Ball, Emma Willis, Fleur East and Janette Manrara as contenders.
- The presenter search comes during a wider refresh that reportedly includes dropping several professional dancers to court younger viewers, with social media reach said to factor into casting decisions.