Rylan Clark new favourite to host Strictly Come Dancing
Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon are now tipped to be the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts.
Rylan Clark is reportedly the new favourite to host Strictly Come Dancing.
The 37-year-old presenter - who shot to fame when he competed on rival show The X Factor and also hosted Strictly's spin-off It Takes Two between 2019 and 2023 - is said to have been invited to an audition, where he will be paired with potential female co-hosts, including Irish broadcaster Angela Scanlon, who competed on the Latin and ballroom show three years ago.
A source told the Daily Mail: "Rylan has a long-standing association with the show, and Angela has been a contestant.
"But the main thing is they'd be a totally new pairing – no baggage, no former shows, uniquely Strictly.
"On top of that, they want to be sure that an all-female presenting line-up isn't replaced by an old-fashioned male-female duo where the man takes on a dominant role.
"Rylan isn't like that at all. Plus, he absolutely loves the show and the viewers already love him."
Sources close to Rylan insisted he would "bite the BBC's hand off" to be part of the duo replacing departed hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
An insider added: "For Rylan it is his dream job. He loved It Takes Two and the viewers loved him. It would be a no-brainer.
"He has so many loyal fans. If he gets the job they will most certainly tune in to Strictly. He will be a ratings winner and the BBC know it."
While other female presenters are in the frame, Rylan is said to be "very keen" to work with Angela, and producers believe they "tick every box" as a pairing.
The BBC's Chief Content Officer, Kate Phillips, has admitted she has been "inundated" with enquiries about the Strictly hosting jobs.
She previously 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."
