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Alan Carr dismisses Strictly Come Dancing hosting rumors

Jan 27, 2026, 5:46 PM20
(Update: Jan 30, 2026, 5:47 AM)
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Alan Carr dismisses Strictly Come Dancing hosting rumors

  • Alan Carr has publicly ruled himself out of the Strictly Come Dancing presenting job after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down.
  • Richard Osman clarified that rumors about Carr and Amanda Holden being offered the hosting role are inaccurate.
  • The search for new hosts continues, with speculation around several candidates including Zoe Ball and Paddy McGuinness.
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In the UK, Alan Carr, the comedian and television personality known for his engaging humor, has publicly stated that he will not be taking on the role of presenting Strictly Come Dancing. This announcement comes in light of the recent departure of long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the conclusion of the 2025 series. At a promotional event for his new Channel 4 show Secret Genius, Carr explained that, despite his popularity among fans who suggested him for the role, he does not have the passion for the show required for a presenter. He acknowledged that the job would be better suited to someone who truly loves the dance competition. Previously, Carr had been speculated to be in the running for the hosting role alongside fellow television personality Amanda Holden, but Richard Osman, who is familiar with the production side of the show, made it clear that neither were officially offered the opportunity. Osman labeled the rumors as ridiculous, reinforcing that it has not been offered to anyone yet, and the search for the show's new hosts is still ongoing. The ongoing speculation about potential hosts follows the significant change in the line-up for Strictly, a beloved dance competition airing in the UK. Many names have emerged as potential candidates to take over from Winkleman and Daly, with Zoe Ball being a notable frontrunner. Ball has a strong background in Strictly, having previously hosted a spin-off show and participated as a contestant herself. Other names in the mix include Paddy McGuinness, current It Takes Two hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara, and Stacey Dooley, who won the 2018 edition of Strictly. Carr's assertion about not pursuing the role hints at a desire for more suitable candidates who have a deeper connection to the show. The future of Strictly Come Dancing's hosting panel is still a matter of great interest, and it is anticipated that a decision will be made soon, possibly by spring 2026. Osman suggested that the upcoming hosts would ideally be individuals who are either intimately familiar with the show or who have a history in the world of dance entertainment. Interestingly, he shed light on how the selection process would consider various combinations of hosts, keeping options open for different pairings. This suggests that the BBC is keen on ensuring that the new faces will continue the legacy of the popular format rather than veering in a drastic new direction. Alan Carr's recent comments serve to clarify his position on the matter of Strictly's hosting future, and while he has a strong fan following and could have been a popular choice, he seems to recognize the importance of the role requiring a deep-seated love for the show. The next few months will tell how this star-studded landscape changes and who ultimately will claim the coveted presenting roles on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

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