Key Highlights
- Strictly Come Dancing’s Carlos Gu suggests Emma Willis as potential new host.
- Emma Willis is a huge fan of the show and would ‘jump at’ the chance to host in an alternative universe.
- Multiple names are being considered for the vacant presenting roles, including Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Zoe Ball, and Christine Lampard.
- Anton Du Beke reveals producers may look towards someone with a connection to the show when selecting a new presenter.
The Strictly Come Dancing Drama Continues
Strictly Come Dancing is in uncharted territory, facing the reality of its beloved presenters leaving after a successful run. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who have been staples of the show for years, are no longer part of the line-up. Fans are left wondering who will step into their shoes.
Professional dancer Carlos Gu believes he has an inside track. Speaking to The Mirror at this year’s TV Choice Awards, Gu suggested Emma Willis as a potential new host for Strictly Come Dancing. “Emma Willis would be a great host for Strictly,” Gu stated.
A Fan of the Show
But it’s not just a guess; Emma Willis is actually a huge fan of the show. Speaking to The Sun, she admitted, “If I had time, I would do it in a heartbeat. Like I absolutely love it.” However, she also shared her fears about taking on such a high-pressure role: “To be standing there, with millions of people watching you before your first dance – and you’re not a natural dancer but you’ve got to suddenly have rhythm… that would be terrifying.”
Other Potential Hosts
The search for a new host is still on. Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Zoe Ball, and Christine Lampard are among the names being considered. These seasoned broadcasters bring their own unique flair to TV hosting, but none have the same connection to Strictly Come Dancing as Emma Willis.
Producers’ Perspective
Anton Du Beke, a judge on the show, provided some insight into how producers might be thinking about selecting a new host. “I did hear Kate Phillips (BBC’s Chief Content Officer) mention somewhere, on a podcast or a chat show, that they would probably be looking towards somebody who has a connection with the show,” he said.
But Du Beke also admitted, “We did the thing and sort of had a bit of a go and did the screen test and they gave the job to Shirley. So there probably will be a process but I can’t imagine… I mean the people that will be asking to host Strictly Come Dancing won’t really need a screen test.” This suggests that producers are likely to choose someone with a background in dance or who has previously appeared on the show.
With these new hosts, one hopes they bring their own unique style and energy to the show. The future of Strictly Come Dancing is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: it will be interesting to see who takes over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.