Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced in October that they will step down as Strictly Come Dancing hosts after 11 years together
Bradley Walsh has finally spoken out on the Strictly Come Dancing hosting rumours
Bradley Walsh has finally spoken out about rumours linking him to hosting Strictly Come Dancing next year. The Chase presenter is among several high-profile names in the mix to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who will end their long-run of hosting the show after the current series.
The presenting duo revealed their decision to leave in October, leaving many in shock including the show’s four judges and current contestants. Following the announcement, The Sun claimed that Bradley and nine other stars, including Welsh presenter Alex Jones, are due to undergo a chemistry screen test for the roles.
During an appearance on Scott Mills’ BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Friday, Bradley’s fellow guest Denise Welch challenged him about the mounting speculation.
The Chase host responded by outlining his typical weekend activities during this period of the year, which include watching Strictly. “I think if you do that gig, it’s going to ruin your weekend,” he remarked.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
Denise interjected: “The trouble is, because he’s got that twinkle, I never believe Bradley Walsh whatever he says. So that could be a long-winded version of him saying I’m doing it.”
Scott then claimed he had overheard Bradley telling a colleague that “it’s definitely him and Alex Jones”.
“Well, I’m seeing Alex today, later on,” the ITV personality responded. “We’re doing The One Show.”
After former Strictly participant Susan Calman’s said his admission was “curious,” Bradley referenced the programme’s famous mantra: “Keep dancing,” before joking: “Just trying to practise.”
Joking aside, the presenter admitted he has “absolutely no idea” about potentially hosting the show.
“I think it’s a big old commitment, I really do,” the 65-year-old went on to say. “It’s a few Fridays and Saturdays, it’s a great gig, it’s a great show.
“I’m very lucky because The Chase is filmed in the next room to Strictly, so sometimes we can hear the band playing. On a Friday, I can literally walk next door and have a sneaky look at some of the rehearsals going on.”
For the time being, Bradley is concentrating on his busy workload, presenting programmes such as ITV’s The Chase and the BBC’s Blankety Blank.
Regarding Strictly, while numerous candidates have been put forward for the presenting positions, BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips recently stated that no final choices will be taken until the new year.
