A BBC frontrunner for the coveted Strictly Come Dancing hosting role has ruled himself out – for a very bizarre reason.
The presenter insisted he won’t be in the mix to replace The Traitors anchor Claudia Winkleman, 53, and her former Strictly sidekick Tess Daly, 56, ahead of the new series.
The duo announced their plans to step down from their iconic BBC telly role last year, with their last duties on the sequin-filled series coming on the Christmas special.
Previously, all the stars in line to replace Tess and Claudia came to light and The Chase anchor Bradley Walsh has been high on the list.
Recently, online betting site Poker Scout told how odds of the veteran broadcaster scooping the role were 4/1 as they stated the figures were “underlining the feeling that the BBC could opt for a proven prime-time favourite.”
Yet Bradley, 65, who also fronts shows including Gladiators and Beat The Chasers, won’t be judging the fancy footwork of Strictly‘s celebs – despite being a shoo in for the role.
In a candid chat, he told how being host would “ruin” his weekend.
He told Radio Times of his weekly routines and said: “I come home from the studio on a Friday, have dinner and watch I’m a Celebrity.
“On Saturday, I’ll watch the football results, have dinner and a pint, watch Strictly, then I’m a Celebrity, and flip back to the BBC for Match of the Day.
“On Sunday I get up late, watch some Columbo, then the football, followed by the Strictly results, then I’m a Celebrity, and then Match of the Day.
“If I was to host Strictly, it would absolutely ruin my weekend.”
Back in 2021, he told how he would never star in the show as a contestant as he is unable to dance.
BRAD’S NEXT STEP?
Back in November, we exclusively reported how Bradley was being considered for the Strictly role.
He then added fuel to the suggestions as he was spotted at Elstree Studios with the show’s head dressmaker Theresa Hewlett.
At the time, The Sun understood he was the favourite for the gig, with The One Show‘s Alex Jones tipped to join him.
Alex, 47, previously competed on Strictly in 2011 and left the competition one week before the final with her professional partner James Jordan.
Claudia Winkleman’s career so far
Holiday (1992–1996): Claudia started her TV career as a travel show presenter, delivering segments from exotic locations.
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two (2004–2010): Although she worked on a few shows between Holiday and Strictly, Claudia really came into her own as a presenter on this spin-off, where she could be seen offering behind-the-scenes gossip and interviewing contestants. She hosted It Takes Two from its inception until Zoe Ball took over from her in 2011.
Strictly Come Dancing (2014–present): After Sir Bruce Forsyth left the BBC show due to health concerns, Claudia joined Tess Daly as a co-host of the main show. This is one of the jobs Claudia is best known for.
Film 2010 (2010–2016): Claudia succeeded Jonathan Ross as the host of the BBC’s flagship film review show in 2010. She was praised by The Guardian for being a “passionate and engaging advocate of cinema” in this role.
The Great British Sewing Bee (2013–2016): Claudia brought her wit to the crafting competition for three years.
The Traitors (2022-present): Claudia’s dark hair and resting mysterious face have become synonymous with this hit reality show. Despite her attempts to leave after the first series in case future seasons flopped, BBC bosses were determined to keep her on, so it seems unlikely she’ll stop heading up the show anytime soon.
A source said: “Alex and Bradley are both the favourites to take over from Tess and Claudia. They have been in the BBC’s sights for some time as Tess and Claudia’s exit plan has been known for a while.
“Bradley and Alex are both seen as accomplished broadcasters. He brings the wisecracks and Alex is the calm head who knows how to handle live situations after 15 years of co-hosting The One Show.
“Alex is a massive fan of Strictly too so this would be the dream gig for her.
“Nothing is set in stone yet but the discussions are moving in a really positive direction.”
We then exclusively told how Brad is part of a “golden ten” selection of presenters chosen by Strictly bosses to undergo chemistry tests.
A source said: “Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task but the BBC have whittled down the talent to ten people.
“As well as Bradley, Alex and Alan, Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball and Holly Willoughby will be at the chemistry day.
“Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond and Angela Scanlon have made the cut too.
“They will go to a studio and be put into different pairs to see who works together best.”
