TV presenter Rylan Clark has confirmed he was actively in the running to host Strictly Come Dancing but ultimately missed out on the job. The BBC officially announced on Tuesday, May 19, that former professional dancer Johannes Radebe, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and presenter Emma Willis will form a new trio to front the 2026 series.
This presenter shakeup closes the chapter on long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their joint departure in October 2025. Fans had spent months speculating on who would take over the prestigious live television gig.
Taking to Instagram to address the casting news, the 37-year-old posted a self-deprecating video of himself fake-crying—a clear nod to his famous X Factor breakdown. He quickly clarified his stance, telling fans he holds “a genuine happiness for the three of them” and adding that the role “wasn’t my time sadly.”
He is not the only high-profile television personality to publicly address losing out on the position. TV and radio presenter Zoe Ball recently confirmed she also participated in screen tests for the hosting job but was turned down, according to a detailed report by the Herald Scotland. Ball congratulated the newly announced trio directly, telling them “you’re gonna rock it.”
The outgoing hosts have already given the new lineup their blessing. Daly praised her successors as “the ultimate trio,” while Winkleman called the incoming presenters “magnificent.”