The search for the next faces of Strictly Come Dancing has taken yet another dramatic twist.
Alan Carr and Amanda Holden have confirmed they were officially offered the coveted hosting role — but stunned fans by revealing they turned it down.
The duo were widely tipped to replace long-time favourites Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped away from the BBC show after December’s finale, ending one of the most iconic presenting partnerships in television history.
Speaking candidly on Jessie and Lennie Ware’s Table Manners podcast, Alan shut down the rumours in one sentence.
“No — we said no ages ago.”
Amanda echoed his words, admitting she was deeply flattered to even be considered.
“We are so honoured to be in that mix,” she said previously on her Heart Radio show. “But we are 100 per cent not doing Strictly.”
Behind the scenes, insiders claim the BBC had high hopes of capitalising on Alan’s surge in popularity following his standout appearance on Celebrity Traitors — a move that would have injected fresh energy into the flagship programme.
Amanda and Alan have recently been busy with the latest series of their BBC Show, which sees them transform properties in sunny destinations
Alan became a TV sensation during his stint of Celebrity Traitors earlier this year and the broadcaster is ‘gutted’ they can’t capitalise on his huge popularity
But timing proved fatal.
Alan’s extensive 2027 comedy tour, spanning more than 90 dates across the UK and Ireland, directly clashes with Strictly’s filming schedule — forcing him to make a difficult choice.
Meanwhile, Amanda and Alan remain firmly focused on their successful BBC renovation series Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job, where the pair have won praise for their chemistry, warmth and unfiltered honesty.
Alan and Amanda were said to have been one the BBC top choices to fill in for Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly who stepped down in December
With the door now firmly closed on Alan and Amanda, attention has turned to other names reportedly on the BBC’s shortlist — including Rylan Clark, Bradley Walsh and Holly Willoughby.
Chemistry tests are said to be underway, as producers hunt for a pairing capable of filling what many believe are the hardest shoes on British television.
One thing is certain: the Strictly crown is still up for grabs — and the next announcement could change everything.
