BBC bosses had one rule in mind when they were planning for the new hosts.
Rylan was snubbed from the role (Image: Getty)
When Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced they were stepping down from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, it’s not surprising that Rylan Clark was someone who was believed to be in with a good shot of getting the role. However, it seems the BBC had one rule they wanted to follow when it came to their new hosting duo, and after firmly setting sights on Emma Willis, Rylan was no longer able to fulfil it.
It’s been reported that Rylan withdrew from the running after filling his schedule up upon discovering that he wouldn’t be picked for the role, and instead it’s now reported to be going to comedian Josh Widdicombe. Emma and Josh are now set to be the new Tess and Claudia after months of discussions, screen-tests and chemistry testing, but what made BBC bosses turn to Josh?
Josh Widdicombe is said to be co-hosting with Emma (Image: Getty)
According to The Sun, BBC bosses had decided that they wanted a comedian in the mix. Miranda Hart was previously another person they were eyeing up for the role, as well as Alan Carr. It was reported that the BBC knew they were keen to have someone who could match Claudia’s quick wit, and having a stand-up star who could react quickly was “an obvious choice”.
They were keen to pick someone who was “very different” to the central host, who is Emma Willis. An insider told the publication: “While she is glamorous, smooth, straight-laced, Josh is slightly kooky, awkward and funny.
“It’s a similar dynamic to that of Claudia and Tess – and execs on the show didn’t care if they had to ditch the same sex presenting format to achieve that.”
Rylan isn’t the only favourite who sadly missed out on a perfect opportunity, with BBC’s Zoe Ball confirming that she didn’t get the job either. She opened up about it on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, saying: “I didn’t get it, but it’s OK. I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.”
She continued: “No, I didn’t get it, but I tell you, what, if who I think has got it, we’re in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous. I’m so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date, we’ll be able to talk about them in more detail.”
However, she added: “I was so chuffed to even be in the mix. There were some pretty amazing people who didn’t even make it into the mix. So I made it in the mix, and I had a really fun time having one last little play at a show that I love and adore. And I’m so thrilled for the gang that has got it.”
