Alison Hammond, 51, is about to take on one of the biggest challenges of her career – hosting a reboot of ITV’s classic musical gameshow, Name That Tune. The show, which originally aired from 1976 to 1987 with hosts Tom O’Connor and Lionel Blair, is making its grand return to Saturday nights, but Alison’s new role could have a major impact on her chances of hosting Strictly Come Dancing.
Sources say that while Alison’s presence on This Morning and For the Love of Dogs has solidified her as an ITV favorite, this musical gig could be her most significant role with the network to date. As one insider put it: “ITV executives are keen to keep Alison firmly planted on their channel, but this might also put her in direct competition with Strictly.”
The revamped Name That Tune promises a modern makeover, complete with a glitzy production and a live band playing iconic tunes, offering a thrilling new take on the much-loved classic. Alison, who’s already a well-known face on ITV, including her hosting duties on The Great British Bake Off, says the gig is a “full-circle moment.” “As a massive music lover, my biggest challenge as a host will be trying not to grab the mic and sing along,” she joked, admitting it would take serious self-control to avoid belting out her favorite songs.
Name That Tune isn’t the only ITV show to get a modern facelift—following on from the revivals of Bullseye with Freddie Flintoff and Wheel of Fortune hosted by Graham Norton, this latest reboot is part of ITV’s strategy to bring back vintage favorites. And with Alison at the helm, fans can expect big things.
Although it remains to be seen exactly when the new Name That Tune will air, Alison’s decision to take on this role raises questions about her future with Strictly. The host, long rumored as a potential candidate for the BBC One dance contest, might now face a scheduling conflict, as Strictly is usually slated for the same Saturday night timeslot.
Alison’s new role is a significant milestone in her career, and with her unique charm, wit, and love for music, she’s poised to bring a fresh energy to the game show. However, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see if Alison’s gig at ITV will change the landscape of her Strictly hosting ambitions. Stay tuned to see how the musical and dancing worlds collide for this multi-talented TV star.
Source: The Sun
