Rob Brydon doesn't want Strictly Come Dancing job
Rob Brydon wouldn't want to host Strictly Come Dancing "in a million years".
Rob Brydon wouldn't host Strictly Come Dancing "in a million years".
The Gavin and Stacey actor is adamant he won't be throwing his hat into the ring to land the high-profile job following the departures of regular hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly because he values his weekends too much.
Asked by Chris Evans on Virgin Radio if he fancied it, Rob said: “Not in a million years.
“It’s your weekend gone. I like my Saturdays.
“I like going to see the boys in their sporting fixtures. I like going and having a brunch somewhere, taking the dog.
“Maybe for some, having the biggest show or busiest schedule gives peace of mind.
“I like all the other things. I like going to the garden centre. I like raking leaves.”
It has been reported there are 10 big name stars set to screen test for the vacant roles next month, with Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Alan Carr the frontrunners.
But they will face competition for the gig from Alison Hammond Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden and Angela Scanlon.
A source said: “Ultimately, no one is bigger than the show so whichever lucky pair land the jobs will be the ones who the BBC think will be the perfect accompaniment to the series.”
While Rob may not be interested, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, Kate Phillips, previously admitted she had been "inundated" with enquiries about the Strictly hosting jobs.
She told The Rest Is Entertainment podcast: "Yes - my inbox has been inundated.
"I can't say names obviously but it is one of the best gigs in television so we have had so many people who are keen to be considered which is great. We'll think carefully about next steps on it but yes, there's no room where we all go."
The executive insisted they are not prioritising the biggest name they can find because the right chemistry between two new presenters is vital.
She said: "I think because it's two roles and Claudia and Tess have had such a strong relationship, I think it would be hard just to hire someone cold without seeing how they are with the other person.
"I think that is a really important part of it. I don't think it's necessarily about having a really big name - shows like Strictly, format is king and no one is bigger than that show."
Kate noted that whoever takes over from Tess and Claudia have a high bar to meet.
She said: "They are brilliant, brilliant hosts of that show and they have sparkly high heels that are going to be hard to fill definitely."
