The search for new Strictly Come Dancing hosts has taken a dramatic turn, with comedian Alan Carr reportedly out of the running and television presenter Rylan Clark now emerging as a leading contender.
Tour Dates Force Alan Carr to Withdraw
Alan Carr, the 49-year-old winner of Celebrity Traitors, was considered a frontrunner to take over from departing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. However, his scheduled commitments for 2027 have made the role impossible. Carr is set to embark on a massive 90-date stand-up tour titled 'Have I Said Too Much?', which runs from January to December 2027, with several nights already sold out.
A source told The Sun that Carr was the BBC's favourite for one of the positions, but the tour dates could not be rearranged. 'The BBC understand his position but they are hugely disappointed,' the insider said. 'They thought Alan would be such a great choice for the job.' The broadcaster is said to be 'gutted', having hoped to capitalise on Carr's surge in popularity following his Traitors success.
Rylan Clark Steps Up as New Favourite
With Carr out of contention, the focus has shifted to other names on the reported shortlist. Rylan Clark, the former host of Strictly's sister show It Takes Two, is now said to be the new top choice to form one half of a hosting duo.
The final decision is expected to hinge on chemistry tests, where potential pairings will be tried out in a studio setting. 'Rylan has now replaced Alan as one of their top choices,' the source explained. 'It will come down to how Rylan gets on in the chemistry tests.'
The Full Contender List and What's Next
The hosting duo announced in 2025 that the series would be their last, prompting the BBC to draw up a list of potential replacements. The reported shortlist of ten names included:
- Bradley Walsh
- Alex Jones
- Alan Carr
- Rylan Clark
- Rob Rinder
- Zoe Ball
- Holly Willoughby
- Amanda Holden
- Alison Hammond
- Angela Scanlon
Earlier in December 2025, the frontrunners were believed to be Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones, and Alan Carr. Carr's withdrawal has now propelled Rylan Clark into that leading group. The BBC has been approached for comment on the ongoing selection process.
Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to return with its new hosts at the end of 2026.
