Following the shock exit of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after 11 years of co-hosting, Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens later this year with two new presenters.
Anton Du Beke has revealed what he’s “heard” about the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing. Last year, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped away from the show after 14 years of co-hosting to pursue other projects.
Since the announcement, a number of high-profile names, such as Zoe Ball and Hannah Waddingham, have been tipped as potential replacements, although none have been confirmed so far.
Anton addressed the vacancy in the presenting roles, noting that he had been told by producers that someone with experience with the show might be interested in taking the position.
On a podcast or chat show, I did hear Kate Phillips, the show’s chief content officer, say that they would likely be looking for someone with a connection, he said.
“Most of the names that have been mentioned have already been mentioned. “
Anton then went on to discuss his own experience with being initially turned down for a panel position following reports that shortlisted candidates might be subjected to a screen-test.
On his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, Chris Evans recalled that there was a sort of audition process that I went for and that a number of others went for before Shirley [Ballas] came on and judged Strictly after Len [Goodman] had left.
They performed the job for Shirley after we completed the task and had a go at it.
“So there probably will be a procedure, but I can’t imagine that.” I don’t mean the people who will submit an application to host Strictly Come Dancing really need a screen test. “
Chris responded with a number of names he thought would be ideal for the roles. Anton agreed that Zoe Ball would be “great,” and the presenter said that she would be “amazing.”
Hannah Waddingham, Janette Manrara, and Fleur East, who were also on the panel in 2021, were also supported by the judge.
Anton’s Strictly star admitted that he “would” be up for the role if asked when Chris threw Anton’s in the mix.
Zoe has also recently addressed whether she would consider taking on the job. Speaking to The Sunday Times, she said: “Obviously, there’s a part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts.”
The former BBC Radio 2 presenter previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing with Ian Waite, before going on to host Strictly: It Takes Two.
She also revealed that she had some television projects in the works with Jo Whiley in a recent episode of her and Jo Whiley’s podcast, though she did not specify what they were.
Janette, a former dancer on the show, has also spoken out against the possibility of taking up one of the presenting roles.
She stated in a statement to Woman and Home magazine, “To be honest, I keep responding that no one wants that job.
Source: Mirror

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