WHEN Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departure as Strictly Come Dancing hosts last October, it fired the starting gun on the race to replace them.
Now after six months of searching – and – it is crunch time for bosses.
Among those confirmed to be stepping into the Strictly spotlight is Emma Willis Credit: Getty
She will be joined by podcast host Angela Scanlon Credit: Getty
Other stars summoned to the tryouts include This Morning host Alison Hammond Credit: Getty
The Sun can reveal the final shortlist of celebs vying to host the dance competition have been summoned to a top-secret location in London this week.
Starting tomorrow and lasting until Friday, the behind closed doors in secret auditions and chemistry tests.
Insiders say the stars in the running have been forced to sign strict NDAs to keep the hush-hush tryouts under wraps, and even the crew have been sworn to absolute secrecy.
The auditions will be full-scale dress rehearsals, with judges and even a live band present to recreate the feel of a real show.
A source whispers: “It’s not just about reading autocue. They’ll be looking at how people work together and humour is a massive part of it. There’s everything to play for.”
‘Crown jewel of BBC’
The chosen few who have been called to the final test will be watched closely by Sarah James, the executive producer of since 2019 and the Beeb’s head of entertainment Kalpna Patel-Knight.
And I’m told that even incoming director-general Matt Brittin, who doesn’t take over as top dog until next month, will be kept updated on any developments.
A BBC source said: “Strictly is the crown jewel of the BBC. With it needs to be handled with the utmost care. Bosses are taking a very keen interest.”
Interestingly, I’m also told that each of the candidates are being vetted closely for any skeletons lurking in their closets in light of the scandal.
The over his “personal conduct” and it was later discovered he had been quizzed by police in 2018 following an against a boy under 16.
My source said: “They do not want to take any chances. The Strictly has had its fair share of scandal and the new presenters need to be as clean as a whistle.”
Bosses are said to be keen to move quickly and make a decision once they have seen the stars in action.
Not just because they want the new pairing – or even trio – to have time to bed in and build chemistry over the .
Rylan is said to be ‘buzzing’ about the opportunity and is determined to impress Credit: Getty
Radio 2’s Zoe Ball is also in the running Credit: Getty
Also in attendance will be RuPaul’s Drag Race star La Voix Credit: PA
But because some of the contenders have iron-clad contracts and their diaries are already filling up.
Among those confirmed to be stepping into the spotlight are and , with Rylan said to be “buzzing” about the opportunity and determined to impress.
“Rylan is really excited,” my source on the inside said. “He sees this as a massive opportunity and wants to show exactly what he can do. Emma Willis is also keen to wow in front of the cameras.
“They’ve presented together on several times so it’s a pairing that works and viewers love.”
They really want to bring the fun this year. It’s all about chemistry who clicks instantly and can keep the energy up live on air.
Source
Also in attendance will be ‘s Drag Race star La Voix, who according to my source, is a very popular choice with bosses.
The cabaret star, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, danced with Aljaž Skorjanec last series before pulling out because of injury.
I first revealed that the BBC were eyeing her up for a role on the show back in December, when she was drafted in to host the finalists’ press conference.
A source said: “They’ve mentioned La Voix’s name a lot. She’s definitely a favourite with some, but nothing is set in stone yet.”
Other top names who have been called into the final bootcamp are comedian , podcast host and One Show presenter .
Other top names who have been called into the final bootcamp include comedian Tom Allen Credit: Getty
One Show presenter Alex Jones will be giving it her all Credit: Anthony Harvey
The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh is also in with a shot Credit: Getty
And in a twist, producers are prioritising one thing above all else – banter.
A source said: “They really want to bring the fun this year. It’s all about chemistry who clicks instantly and can keep the energy up live on air.”
“They could stick with two female hosts as that’s worked brilliantly,” the insider added. “But they’re also open to mixing it up.
“If Rylan and click, that could be a hilarious pairing. Equally, they could even introduce a third presenter to shake things up.”
Bosses are believed to be testing a range of combinations and nothing is off the table.
Other stars summoned to the tryouts are This Morning host , and ‘s .
It’s a less happy story for the Strictly professionals who have faced something of a bloodbath in recent weeks.
Several of the show’s professional dancers, including , , , and Michelle Tsiakkas were axed from the main show.
But in their place will be a bevvie of new TikTok-friendly professionals dancers.
And after this week’s final auditions, we will soon know the new hosts to welcome them onto the dancefloor.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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