Angela Rippon wants to host Strictly Come Dancing
Veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon is interested in hosting Strictly Come Dancing.
Angela Rippon is interested in hosting Strictly Come Dancing.
The veteran broadcaster - who was the show's oldest ever contestant when she was partnered by Kai Widdrington at the age of 79 in 2023 - would "of course" agree if she was approached to take over from departing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who will step down at the end of the year.
Angela told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "If they asked me, of course. It’s a very popular programme. Claudia and Tess have done a fabulous job, but no job is for life."
The 81-year-old star previously presented Come Dancing, the amateur competition which pre-dated Strictly, for three years until 1991 and she knows what producers should look for in a new host.
She said: "Someone that will bring the glamour, and just what everyone loves about Strictly."
The Daily Mail newspaper previously reported Alan Carr was being considered for a role on the TV talent show.
An insider told the publication: "People just love Alan ... [Viewers] loved him and [think] he has been the star of the Traitors ...
"He has got to be up there with the BBC to get a huge new role ... Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, Strictly."
A BBC source added: "Alan has always been a star – but it’s amazing what a month in a Scottish castle can do to elevate your career. He’s ours now."
However, the Celebrity Traitors star recently admitted that, although it would be an "honour", he may be too "sweaty" for the show.
In an interview with the Radio Times magazine, he explained: "Apparently my name is in the hat [for Strictly Come Dancing], which is an honour, but I haven’t spoken to anyone at the BBC.
"You saw how sweaty I was in the castle [on The Celebrity Traitors], imagine me live on a Saturday night coming down those stairs [on Strictly] – people would slip in a pool of my sweat while doing the fandango.
"It’s lovely to be thought of, but it’s probably a bit too nerve-racking."
Dancing On Ice host Holly Willoughby has also been linked with one of the hosting roles.
