Alan Carr Confirms Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Offer Was Rejected
In a surprising revelation that puts months of speculation to rest, comedian and television personality Alan Carr has confirmed that he and his co-star Amanda Holden were formally offered the coveted hosting roles on Strictly Come Dancing but ultimately declined the opportunity. The confirmation came during a candid appearance on Jessie and Lennie Ware's popular podcast, Table Manners, where Carr addressed the swirling rumours head-on.
The End of an Era for Strictly's Iconic Duo
The latest season of the BBC's flagship reality dance competition concluded last year with an emotional farewell to longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The pair announced their joint departure in October after more than a decade of presenting the show together, leaving a significant void that production teams have been scrambling to fill ever since. Their statement at the time emphasised their shared decision to leave while the show remained at its peak, with Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips acknowledging their immense contribution to the programme's two-decade success.
Why Amanda and Alan Were Considered Strong Contenders
Alan Carr and Amanda Holden emerged as frontrunners in the speculation due to their established on-screen chemistry and proven hosting capabilities. The duo first collaborated on their popular destination construction series, which showcased their natural rapport and entertainment value to millions of viewers. Carr's recent triumph on Celebrity Traitors further solidified his status as a beloved national treasure, while their latest project, Amanda & Alan's Greek Job, has already generated buzz as a potential highlight of 2026 television.
The podcast revelation was unequivocal: when asked directly about the Strictly rumours, Carr stated plainly, 'No, we said no ages ago.' This marks the first official confirmation that the pair had been approached by BBC executives about taking over the hosting duties. His co-star Amanda Holden had previously hinted at this decision during her Heart Radio show in December, telling listeners, 'I want to say now that me and Alan are 100 per cent not doing Strictly. We are so flattered to be in that mix. We both are not doing it.'
Claudia Winkleman's Packed Schedule and New Ventures
Meanwhile, Claudia Winkleman's decision to step away from Strictly Come Dancing appears to be influenced by an exceptionally busy professional calendar for 2026. Her presenting commitments have expanded significantly, with multiple high-profile projects in development:
- Two new seasons of The Traitors (both Celebrity and Civilian editions)
- A renewal of her critically acclaimed Channel 4 series The Piano
- The launch of her own self-titled chat show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this spring
This packed schedule likely contributed to her decision to reclaim her weekends and reduce her workload, despite her enduring affection for the Strictly franchise.
Other Potential Candidates in the Running
With Amanda Holden and Alan Carr definitively ruled out, attention now turns to other television personalities who might be considered for the prestigious hosting roles. Former It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball has emerged as a particularly strong candidate following her recent departure from Radio 2, leading many fans to speculate about a potential career shift. In a recent interview with The Times, Ball acknowledged the constant speculation, noting that the Strictly job is 'all anyone talks to me about.' While expressing her admiration for Daly and Winkleman, she described the show as a 'beast' and admitted there's part of her that would love to take on the challenge.
Alan Carr's Chat Show Rumours Also Addressed
During the same podcast appearance, Carr took the opportunity to address separate rumours about the potential revival of his popular chat show, Alan Carr: Chatty Man. Contrary to speculation about a Channel 4 comeback, the comedian clarified that no formal approaches have been made, stating, 'It would be nice to do a chat show, I don't know, but no one's approached me or anything.' This puts to rest another piece of industry gossip that had been circulating among entertainment circles.
The search for new Strictly Come Dancing hosts continues as BBC executives weigh their options for replacing one of British television's most iconic presenting duos. While many names remain in contention, the confirmation that Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have formally declined the offer narrows the field considerably, leaving production teams to consider alternative pairings who can maintain the show's unique blend of glamour, warmth, and entertainment that has captivated audiences for generations.
