Inside BBC’s hunt for new Strictly hosts as ‘Golden Ten’ pitted against each other in ‘partner-swap chemistry tests’
BBC bosses have lined up a “Golden Ten” shortlist of presenters in their search to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly.
The Sun can reveal the candidates will next month be put through their paces at a top- secret chemistry test.
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The BBC is auditioning for the top job of Strictly host, pictured presenters and co-stars Amanda Holden and Alan CarrCredit: Mark Hayman
The Chase’s Bradley Walsh has been linked to the show, having attended the set recentlyCredit: Refer to source
Telly fave Alison Hammond is also on the BBC’s radarCredit: PA
There are three frontrunners, in Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Alan Carr — with comic Alan the No1 target for the corporation’s top brass.
But all ten stars will be made to work with one another on screen in a bid to decide the perfect partnership.
A source said: “Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task but the BBC have whittled down the talent to ten people.
“As well as Bradley, Alex and Alan, Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball and Holly Willoughby will be at the chemistry day.
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“Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond and Angela Scanlon have made the cut too.
“They will go to a studio and be put into different pairs to see who works together best.
Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task
A source
“It could be two women or two men paired, or a mix. They will ultimately choose whoever has the best chemistry in each partnership.
“Rylan and Rob present a travelogue series together on the BBC so they already have great chemistry. It’s the same for Alan and Amanda, with their home renovations show.
“Zoe hosted Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two and they know she is a very steady pair of hands — it’s just finding the right fit for her.
“Strictly bosses want to mix things up and see if there is a partnership within the ten that hasn’t been tried out before and is perfect.
“Ultimately, no one is bigger than the show so whichever lucky pair land the jobs will be the ones who the BBC think will be the perfect accompaniment to the series.”
Tess has co-presented the hugely popular dance show since its 2004 inception, and was joined by Claudia in 2014 after Sir Bruce Forsyth left.
The idea of Alan in the Claudiatorium is getting the BBC top brass frothing at the mouth
Source
But in October, the two announced they were stepping down.
The Chase presenter Bradley and One Show host Alex were immediately touted as frontrunners for the job.
‘Wiping away tears’
However, insiders say Chatty Man star Alan is now in top spot, having won Celebrity Traitors last month — then snared a new BBC quiz show too.
Fans had feared his huge 2027 nationwide comedy tour would clash with that year’s Strictly schedule, ruling him out.
Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are set to leave StrictlyCredit: PA
Could Holly Willoughby shrug off recent controversy and nab the top job?Credit: Getty
Irish presenter Angela Scanlon has also been lined up as one of the Golden 10Credit: PA
But insiders said they were sure Alan wouldn’t turn down the gig if he made the cut after the chemistry tests.
A source continued: “The idea of Alan in the Claudiatorium is getting the BBC top brass frothing at the mouth. They think he would be perfect. The tour isn’t an issue as they know that if Alan did get the job, and accepted it, he could easily move the dates.”
Tonight, Claudia and Tess will appear on their penultimate episode of the Strictly main series.
The last Strictly episode next week is going to be emotional
Insider
Last week they filmed their last festive special of the dance contest, which will air on Christmas Day.
Insiders who were at the recording said the pair were emotional.
One added: “Tess was wiping away tears. The last Strictly episode next week is going to be emotional.”
Vying for a place in this year’s final are EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, YouTuber George Clarke, former Lioness Karen Carney and West End star Amber Davies.
Tomorrow night one of the four will leave the competition, with Balvinder the bookies’ favourite to exit.
Popular Rylan Clark could be the perfect fit for bossesCredit: Getty
Radio’s Zoe Ball is also a name being monitored by the BBCCredit: Getty
The Beeb are keeping tabs on screen star Rob RinderCredit: Getty
Alex Jones is also a name touted for the role, and is one of the three frontrunnersCredit: Tom Dymond
