Angela Scanlon has foxtrotted to the front of the running to host Strictly Come Dancing, after top-secret tryouts throughout last week as the BBC seeks to replace departing presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Scanlon, 42, impressed producers at the filmed auditions for the Saturday night TV show, which is the Beeb’s crown jewel.
Celebs on the shortlist to replace Winkleman and Daly include Tom Allen, Bradley Walsh, La Voix, Alex Jones, Emma Willis, Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball.
My man lurking behind the velvet curtain says that after a number of days, four clear front-runners emerged: Angela, Rylan, Emma and Zoe.
That’s bad luck for in-demand Bradley Walsh, who up to now seems to have scooped every showbiz job going (The Chase, Gladiators, Blankety Blank).
No sign, by the way, of Paddy McGuinness, formerly of Top Gear and A Question Of Sport, who has been linked with the vacant presenting spots, but who was not spotted by my mole.
The celebrities all tried out in various combinations; and Rylan worked well with all three of the front-running girls.
The Zoe and Angela duo was felt to be a bit of a dud. But Ball played well with Emma Willis.
Front runner: Angela Scanlon, 42, was a surprise hit in her audition to be the next host of Strictly Come Dancing
The BBC must make a decision fairly soon, because rehearsals for the next series start at the end of August; with filming from September to December.
A spokesman for the Corporation said: ‘Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.’
It’s all change for the show, which is seeking a fresh look (and a clean slate) after two years of damaging scandals. There has been a major shake-up among the pros, with Nadiya Bychkova and Gorka Marquez among those departing.
For now, all I hear for sure is that Shirley Ballas, the head judge, will definitely return.
In broad terms, as reported here earlier this year, Strictly is having a TikTok-inspired makeover, with bosses mindful of how the short form social media completely revolutionised the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars.
Celebrities and dancers will be selected, in part, for their ability to connect on TikTok; and there are likely to be some tweaks to the format, too.
While the laws of probability would suggest that a two-woman pairing is likely (again), it’s possible that the BBC might need three presenters: with one filming TikTok friendly items from the rehearsal rooms at Elstree. That is apparently one option being considered.
I’m told: ‘Angela was the surprise hit – she did really well. The BBC said that this had to be all about the chemistry between the presenters and their ability to react to live comments and situations – and she shone.
‘She was good with everyone except for Zoe. And Rylan was good with everyone.’
Rylan and Emma Willis have proven chemistry, from their time working together on Big Brother and This Morning.
Those in the hunt have reportedly been required to sign non-disclosure agreements, to keep any details of the tryouts under wraps.
Scanlon has had a varied career including radio presenting, documentary making – and fronting home improvement and fashion shows.
She took part in Strictly in 2023 and (partnered with Carlos Gu) finished sixth. She lives in North London with her husband and two daughters.
