Alison Hammond has sparked fresh speculation about her future on Strictly Come Dancing, after backtracking on previous claims that she was too busy to take on the role of host. The beloved This Morning presenter, who was a contestant on the BBC show in 2014, now says she would be “crazy” to turn down the opportunity to take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, following their departure from the popular Saturday night programme.
The Shift in Stance
Initially, Alison had been vocal about her reluctance to take on the Strictly hosting role, citing her already jam-packed schedule as a major obstacle. In an interview with Radio Times, she had said, “I would have loved to have done it – anybody that gets it, they’re going to land the perfect job. But I’m so happy with everything I’ve got. What would I drop, to do Strictly?” At the time, she made it clear that her existing commitments, particularly her role on This Morning, made it “unrealistic” for her to consider a second major television job.
However, Alison has since softened her stance. Speaking to Metro, she revealed, “Do you think I would turn down Strictly if Strictly came along? Who would turn down Strictly! They’d be absolutely crazy.” The shift in her attitude has only fueled speculation that she might be in line for the coveted job, despite her previous hesitations. She went on to clarify, “I was trying to back them off because ultimately everyone keeps putting my name in the mix and they’re ruining my chances of even getting on to Strictly, d’you know what I mean?” Alison made it clear that she wasn’t as “too busy” as she had initially thought, and that she could “do it all.”
The Strictly Rumour Mill
The rumour mill surrounding the search for a new host has been in overdrive since the departure of Daly and Winkleman. Several big names have been floated as potential replacements, with Bradley Walsh, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Alison’s fellow This Morning star Sian Welby all being linked to the role. Alison had previously expressed confidence in her suitability for the position, stating in an interview with the Daily Mail, “I’ve not heard anything, but that job is made for me, let’s be honest!”
The star’s candidness about the role has only sparked more public interest. Fans have been clamouring to see her host Strictly, thanks to her vibrant personality and easy rapport with audiences. However, Alison isn’t the only one in the mix, and it’s now thought that Bradley Walsh might be a front-runner for the gig. Reports suggest that filming for The Chase has been “halted” for at least a year, fuelling further speculation that Walsh could take over Strictly.
Bradley Walsh’s Reluctance
While Walsh’s name has been linked to the Strictly role, the actor and presenter has tried to distance himself from the position. Earlier this year, he claimed that hosting Strictly would “ruin” his weekends. “Here’s a potted version of my winter weekends,” Walsh explained in an interview with Radio Times. “I come home from the studio on a Friday, have dinner and watch I’m a Celebrity.” He went on to describe his weekend routine, which includes watching Strictly on Saturdays, and said, “If I was to host Strictly, it would absolutely ruin my weekend.”
Despite Walsh’s reluctance, many believe that he could be a natural fit for the show, especially given his extensive experience in front of the camera. However, Alison’s recent comments suggest she may be edging closer to accepting the role if the opportunity arises.
Alison’s Strictly Journey
Alison’s journey with Strictly Come Dancing began in 2014 when she competed as a celebrity contestant. Paired with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, the pair made it to the 10th spot in the competition, and Alison became a fan favourite for her infectious personality and positive attitude. Her time on the show endeared her to audiences, and many fans have since called for her to take on a larger role within the Strictly franchise.
In the years following her Strictly stint, Alison has enjoyed a successful career as a presenter, most notably on This Morning. Her vibrant energy, quick wit, and relatable charm have made her a household name. She’s often praised for her down-to-earth approach, making her a natural fit for a show like Strictly, where personality is just as important as the dancing itself.
What Would Alison Bring to Strictly?
If Alison Hammond were to land the Strictly Come Dancing hosting role, she would undoubtedly bring her unique style to the show. Her natural charisma and infectious energy would help maintain the show’s upbeat atmosphere, and her genuine love for Strictly would resonate with both contestants and viewers alike. Alison’s experience as a This Morning presenter would also be invaluable, as she has honed her skills in live television, often dealing with unexpected moments with ease.
Alison has always expressed her passion for dance, and she would likely embrace the opportunity to be more deeply involved in the Strictly family. She previously said in an interview, “I’ve been a massive fan of Strictly for years, and I’d love to be more involved. It’s one of the biggest TV shows in the UK, and who wouldn’t want to be a part of it?”
The Future of Strictly Hosts
As the Strictly hosting debate continues, it’s clear that fans are eager to see who will step into the iconic shoes of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Whether it’s Bradley Walsh, Alison Hammond, or someone else entirely, the pressure to live up to the legacy of the former hosts is undoubtedly immense. However, if anyone can make their mark on the show, it’s Alison. With her candid remarks about the potential role, it seems that Strictly could soon be seeing a new, much-loved face at the helm.
The buzz around the Strictly hosting position has added an exciting layer to the show’s upcoming season, and fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement. Whoever lands the job will have some big shoes to fill, but with Alison’s candidness and passion for the show, there’s no doubt that she would bring a fresh and exciting energy to Strictly Come Dancing.
