The search for new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing has entered its final stages, with nine contenders shortlisted for the role. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the show in December, stating it was the 'right time' to leave, according to a report.
Chemistry tests for the candidates are scheduled for this week, with auditions set to begin tomorrow and run until Friday, according to The Sun. The tryouts will take place at a top-secret London location and will include full-scale dress runs with judges and a live band, according to a report.
Potential presenters have signed non-disclosure agreements to keep the tryouts secret, a source told major media outlets. BBC bosses are also closely vetting candidates' pasts to avoid any potential scandals, a TV source said.
Sarah James, Strictly's executive producer since 2019, and BBC head of entertainment Kalpna Patel-Knight will oversee the auditions, according to a report. Incoming BBC director-general Matt Brittin will be kept informed of the selection process, according to a report.
Among the nine final contenders are Rylan Clark and Emma Willis, according to a report. Clark co-hosted the spin-off show It Takes Two for four years and has live broadcasting experience. Willis is reportedly 'keen to wow in front of the cameras' during auditions, according to a report.
According to Metro, an insider described the selection process as not just about reading autocue, but also about how people work together, with humour being a massive part of it. A source told Metro that Clark is really excited and sees this as a massive opportunity to show what he can do.
The identities of the other seven contenders have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear when the new hosts will be officially announced. It is also unknown whether the new presenters will replace both Daly and Winkleman or if the format will change. The exact timeline for the selection process after auditions has not been confirmed.