Alan Carr and Amanda Holden have revealed they were formally approached to take over hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing following the shock departure of long-standing duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman — but ultimately turned the offer down.
The popular pair, who currently front a BBC property renovation series together, admitted they were “so flattered” to be in the frame to become the next iconic Strictly hosts. However, speaking candidly on Jessie and Lennie Ware’s podcast Table Manners, Alan confirmed they had already declined the job some time ago.
Asked directly whether they were set to present Strictly together, Alan replied bluntly that they were not, adding that they had said no “ages ago”. Amanda echoed the sentiment, later addressing the mounting speculation on her Heart Radio show. She told listeners that although the rumours were flattering, she and Alan were “100 per cent not doing it”.
The BBC has been scrambling to find replacements since Tess and Claudia confirmed they would be stepping away from the flagship show at the end of the most recent series. Their exit sparked intense debate among fans over who could possibly fill their shoes — with Alan and Amanda widely tipped as top contenders.
Despite ruling out Strictly, Alan also dismissed rumours that his hit Channel 4 chat show Alan Carr: Chatty Man could be making a comeback, saying no one had approached him about it.
Instead, both stars are focusing on their latest BBC project, Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job, which sees them transform rundown properties in sunny destinations. While filming in Corfu, Amanda opened up emotionally about her past, reflecting on divorce, regret and personal growth during a heart-to-heart with her close friend Alan.
She admitted she sometimes regrets “hurting people and causing chaos” earlier in her life but believes those mistakes helped shape who she is today. Alan, who also went through a divorce, spoke about learning his own worth after years of feeling walked over, saying he wished he had been bolder and stronger in the past.
Meanwhile, Alan’s Strictly hopes were further dashed by practical issues. His extensive 2027 UK and Ireland tour — with 90 dates scheduled — clashes directly with Strictly’s filming period, effectively ruling him out even as a solo host.
With Alan out of contention, the BBC is now said to be seriously considering Rylan Clark, alongside other high-profile names, as executives put potential hosts through chemistry tests in a bid to find the perfect on-screen pairing.
As for Alan and Amanda, while they may not be heading to the Strictly ballroom, their on-screen chemistry remains firmly intact — just not where fans expected to see it.
