SHOCKING TURNING POINT: Rylan Clark withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing host race Rylan Clark has withdrawn himself from the race to become the next Strictly Come Dancing host just days after auditioning. The TV star’s best friend, Emma Willis, is about to be announced as the top contender.

RYLAN Clark ruled himself OUT the running of being the next Strictly Come Dancing host just days after auditioning.

The TV personality’s close pal Emma Willis is set to be announced for the top job, as revealed by The Sun.

An insider told us: “Everyone knows that hosting Strictly would be a dream job for Rylan.

“He, of course, went for the audition because it’s a once in a lifetime job, but soon after a chemistry test he ruled himself out and started telling friends he’s doing Panto instead.

“It’s surprising because Emma Willis is one of his closest friends.

“Rylan wasn’t the direction that Strictly wanted to go in.

“He wanted to make sure he was the one to show he had other plans anyway and ruled himself out before anyone could say otherwise.”

Insiders said Zoe Ball, 55, who The Sun revealed has been in the frame for months, is expected to be the woman asked to join Emma, 50, as the new presenting duo.

Stars including Holly Willoughby, 45, Alan Carr, 49, Amanda Holden, 55, and Alison Hammond, 51, were approached but ruled themselves out.

Alongside Rylan, Alex Jones, 49, Bradley Walsh, 65, and Rob Rinder, 47, were said to be tested as “hot” favourites” by the BBC.

Another source told The Sun: “Rylan keeps himself incredibly busy and is always in demand.

“He didn’t want to turn down other opportunities for a job that might not come off.”

Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, announced they were stepping down from Strictly in October last year.

The dynamic duo teamed up as co-presenters in 2014 when Bruce Forsyth stepped back from the show.

Plummeting viewing figures and “underwhelming” line-ups even prompted betting giants to offer odds earlier this year on this being the show’s final outing.

However, BBC bosses are determined to revamp the show.

Our insider added: “Losing Tess and Claudia as hosts is massive and the BBC know they need to get the presenters right to keep the audience happy.

“The loyal Strictly fans, who have been with the show since it first aired in 2004, are what keeps the show alive and the BBC are always striving to impress them.”

The Sun reached out to Rylan’s rep. A spokesperson for the BBC said: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”