Alison Hammond has confirmed that she was approached to host Strictly Come Dancing, but she turned down the opportunity, revealing she’s “too busy” to take on the coveted role. In a candid conversation with Radio Times, the This Morning presenter shared that, despite the allure of the position, she simply couldn’t make it work due to her packed schedule. 
“I have, actually [been approached]. You didn’t expect that answer, did you? I can’t lie, I’m incapable,” Hammond said, acknowledging how flattering the offer was. However, she quickly added, “I’m so busy, babes, that I’m not sure it’s going to happen. It’s unrealistic.” She further explained, “What would I drop to do Strictly?”
Alison Hammond has long been a fan-favorite in British television, and her decision to turn down the role raises eyebrows as the search continues for a new host after the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. While Strictly is undergoing a major shake-up both on and off-screen, the question remains: who will fill the shoes of these beloved hosts?
The Pressure of Replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
In October 2025, both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would step down from their hosting duties on the show, sparking a frenzy of speculation about who would take over the prime-time position. Several big names have been rumored for the role, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, and Miranda Hart.
Despite the high demand, Alison Hammond made it clear that she’s happy with her current career and couldn’t commit to the Strictly role. “It would have been fun, but I have three kids and a lot going on,” she said. While she was flattered to be considered, her focus on family and her ongoing work commitments left her with no time to take on such a major responsibility.
Alison Hammond’s Connection with Strictly and the Show’s Revamp
Alison, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, has an undeniable connection to the show. She competed with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec and finished in 10th place. However, her decision not to return as a host comes as Strictly undergoes a significant overhaul.
The show has seen several changes behind the scenes, including the departure of several professional dancers. Last month, the BBC made the controversial decision to let go of five dancers, including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Gorka Marquez, in what has been described as a “bloodbath” by some insiders. This shake-up is part of the network’s efforts to refresh the show and appeal to a younger audience.
Social Media Influence and Strictly’s Shifting Priorities
It’s been revealed that the decision to cut certain professional dancers was influenced by their social media following, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Sources claim that Strictly bosses are increasingly prioritizing dancers with larger online followings in an effort to attract a younger, more digitally-savvy viewership.
For instance, Nadiya Bychkova, who has a relatively modest 19,000 followers on Instagram, was dropped from the show, while Dianne Buswell, who boasts an impressive 966,000 followers, retained her spot. Similarly, Karen Hauer, who has 9,000 followers, was also let go, while newcomers like Alexis, with a following of 190,000, stayed on the show.
A Major Transition for Strictly Come Dancing
As Strictly Come Dancing faces a major transition both in front of the cameras and behind the scenes, fans are left wondering who will be the next to host and how the changes will affect the iconic show’s future. The speculation surrounding Alison Hammond’s possible involvement, though ultimately debunked, highlights the high stakes as Strictly looks to reinvent itself.
While Alison Hammond won’t be joining the show as a host, fans can still look forward to her continued presence on This Morning and her successful career in television.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
