Strictly Come Dancing considers adding third presenter
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are considering adding a third host to the mix as part of a shake-up of the programme, with Alex Jones still favourite to take one of the presenting jobs.
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are considering adding a third host to the mix as part of a shake-up of the programme.
Producers have been on the hunt for new presenters following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, and while The One Show host Alex Jones - who came fifth on the show in 2011 - remains the frontrunner for one of the slots, "nothing is off the table" when it comes to finding the right people for the job.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “Alex is still very much the BBC’s favourite to land a hosting spot. The Beeb loves her and thinks she’d be perfect to take on Tess’s role on the floor.
“Talk recently has turned to whether they could bring in a third host to really freshen it up.
“Nothing is off the table when it comes to sprinkling new magic over Strictly.”
Screen tests and chemistry tests for the new hosts are set to take place in April, and after Holly Willoughby, Alan Carr and Amanda Holden ruled themselves out of the job, names still in the frame for the Strictly Come Dancing hosting roles are said to be Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Angela Scanlon, Emma Willis and Fleur East,
A source added: “It’s likely a decision on whether it’s two hosts or three, and who will get the roles, won’t be decided until summer.
“The BBC are making a lot of changes to the pro dancer line-up and now that is out of the way, they can get to work on who is the best fit.”
The BBC's Chief Content Officer, Kate Phillips, has admitted she has 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."
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."
