The BBC has finally selected Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's successors for Strictly Come Dancing after a long and drawn-out process. The duo surprised viewers last year by announcing it was the 'right time' to leave, having always insisted they would depart together. Speculation quickly arose about who would replace them for one of the biggest jobs on British television, with names like Holly Willoughby, Alan Carr, and Amanda Holden reportedly shortlisted.
The wait is almost over as the final day of screen tests has concluded, and the chosen presenters are now awaiting the important call. A source told The Sun: 'Yesterday was the final day of screen tests, so bosses have tried out lots of different combinations of hosts together, and today they are sitting down to make the decision.'
Nine stars were in the final audition phase: Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Tom Allen, Angela Scanlon, Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh, Zoe Ball, Alison Hammond, and La Voix. The source added: 'They want it done and dusted this week. The announcement may not come for a few more weeks because contracts need to be signed, but the powers that be will be naming who they want in closed-door meetings as we speak.'
'They really didn’t want to get this wrong, which is why it’s been such a long, drawn-out process. Everyone who has auditioned and been invited for screen tests is on tenterhooks; they just want to know now.'
The auditions reportedly mimicked a Strictly show, complete with judges and a live band, to see who could handle the pressures of live television. Metro spoke to Alison about the rumors she had auditioned, despite her previous dismissal that she was 'too busy.' She said: 'Do you think I would turn down Strictly if Strictly came along? Who would turn down Strictly! They’d be absolutely crazy.'
Explaining her earlier attempt to downplay the rumors, the This Morning star shared: 'I was trying to back them off because ultimately everyone keeps putting my name in the mix and they’re ruining my chances of even getting on to Strictly, d’you know what I mean? You all need to stop talking about it because I need to get in.'
Presenters in contention have reportedly signed non-disclosure agreements to keep audition details top secret. Given the prestige of the ballroom dancing show for the BBC, the broadcaster's top bosses, including incoming director general Matt Brittin, are overseeing proceedings.
Strictly is set to return this winter, expected to fill the usual Christmas countdown slot on the BBC.
