{"id":396576,"date":"2026-03-21T12:12:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T12:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/396576\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T12:12:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T12:12:20","slug":"x-factor-star-whos-a-ratings-winner-is-new-favourite-to-host-strictly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/396576\/","title":{"rendered":"X Factor star who&#8217;s a &#8216;ratings winner&#8217; is new favourite to host Strictly"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"646\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SEI_126655529-2096.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27296669\" alt=\"The BBC Strictly Come Dancing logo, with the show title written over a gold glitterball, on a sparkly blue background.\" decoding=\"sync\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tSpeculation remains rife over who will be taking over as Strictly Come Dancing hosts (Picture: PA)<\/p>\n<p>A former <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/the-x-factor\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">X Factor<\/a> star is being considered as one of the replacements for <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/tess-daly\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tess Daly<\/a> and <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/03\/20\/claudia-winkleman-apologises-dropping-f-bomb-front-school-kid-27555064\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Claudia Winkelman<\/a> on <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/strictly-come-dancing\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Strictly Come Dancing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>He might have finished in fifth place on the <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/itv\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ITV<\/a> talent show back in 2012, but <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/rylan-clark\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rylan Clark<\/a> is being touted for one of the <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/bbc-2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BBC<\/a>\u2019s flagship programmes.<\/p>\n<p>Towards the end of last year, the 37-year-old from <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/essex\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Essex<\/a> joked about \u2018being cancelled\u2019 on <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/this-morning\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">This Morning<\/a> after his\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/08\/28\/rylan-clarks-immigration-rant-this-morning-wrong-dangerous-24020030\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">controversial comments about illegal immigration<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Now, however, <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/bbc-2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BBC<\/a> sources have claimed that Rylan has been invited to an audition where he will be paired with other potential hosts, including former Strictly contestant <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/angela-scanlon\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Angela Scanlon<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Rylan has a long-standing association with the show, and Angela has been a contestant,\u2019 a source told the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/tvshowbiz\/article-15662891\/Rylan-Clark-BBCs-favourite-new-Strictly-host-faces-screen-tests-contenders-assess-chemistry.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Daily Mail<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tGet personalised updates on Strictly\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p> Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro\u2019s TV Newsletter.<\/p>\n<p><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/newsletters\/tv-newsletter\/?ito=tv-article&amp;signup-source=tv-article-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up to our newsletter<\/a> and then select your show in the link we\u2019ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018But the main thing is they\u2019d be a totally new pairing \u2013 no baggage, no former shows, uniquely Strictly.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SEI_190193651-0c86.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27559827\" alt=\"Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay\/ITV\/REX\/Shutterstock (14127382aj) Rylan Clark 'Loose Women' TV show, London, UK - 26 Sep 2023\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tRylan Clark is said to be a frontrunner for the position (Picture: Ken McKay\/ITV\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"462\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SEI_217160017-cdc4.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27559825\" alt=\"Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay\/ITV\/REX\/Shutterstock (14227285l) Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond 'This Morning' TV show, London, UK - 23 Nov 2023\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThe former This Morning host could be paired alongside Angela Scanlon, who was a former competitor on Strictly (Picture: Ken McKay\/ITV\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n<p>\u2018On top of that, they want to be sure that an all-female presenting line-up isn\u2019t replaced by an old-fashioned male-female duo where the man takes on a dominant role.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Rylan isn\u2019t like that at all. Plus, he absolutely loves the show and the viewers already love him.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>The insider also added that Rylan would \u2018bite the BBC\u2019s hand off\u2019 for what would be his \u2018dream job\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tFind out more about the new Strictly host\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>Previously, the presenter hosted the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two between 2019 and 2023.<\/p>\n<p>As well as that, he has presented on This Morning and has anchored Eurovision coverage for the BBC.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this week, <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/bill-bailey\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bill Bailey<\/a> backed a <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/03\/17\/bill-bailey-jokingly-compares-strictly-a-cult-6-years-winning-bbc-series-27429566\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">legendary BBC star to take over as Strictly host<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SEI_250869279-65be.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-27559821\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Rylan Clark and Robert Rinder aka Judge Rinder, winners of the Factual Entertainment Award for 'Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour', pose in the winners room at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards With P&amp;O Cruises at The Royal Festival Hall on May 11, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alan Chapman\/Dave Benett\/Getty Images)\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tRylan won a Bafta for his series the Grand Tour with Rob Rinder (Picture: Dave Benett)<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"407\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SEI_278669481-f51b-e1769004936380.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-26219248\" alt=\"Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly for BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tClaudia and Tess\u2019 last episode aired over Christmas (Picture: Guy Levy\/BBC\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n<p>Speaking to\u00a0<strong>Metro<\/strong>, he said: \u2018I think you have to be good at that whole technical idea of presenting. [\u2026] But you\u2019ve got to keep a sense of fun, really.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018You\u2019ve got to sort of have a bit of tongue-in-cheek because it\u2019s meant to be fun. It\u2019s meant to be an entertainment show. I think\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/zoe-ball\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zoe Ball<\/a>\u00a0would do a great job. She\u2019d be great, actually.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>This came after the three leading male candidates were revealed to be in the running as a new host.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tWho do you want to be a Strictly Come Dancing host?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"metro-poll__list\">\n<li data-option=\"option1\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<\/li>\n<li data-option=\"option2\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<\/li>\n<li data-option=\"option3\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<\/li>\n<li data-option=\"option4\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<\/li>\n<li data-option=\"option5\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<\/li>\n<li data-option=\"option6\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tWant to get bespoke updates on the TV shows you love? Sign up to Metro&#8217;s TV newsletters and tell us which ones you can&#8217;t get enough of<\/p>\n<p>Alongside Rylan, The Chase legend\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/bradley-walsh\/page\/2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bradley Walsh<\/a> and current fan-favourite Strictly pro,\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/johannes-radebe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Johannes Radebe<\/a> could all potentially land the job.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball and Alex Jones are also said to be in the running.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Got a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/submit-stuff\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/03\/20\/dame-jenni-murray-longest-serving-bbc-womans-hour-presenter-dies-aged-75-27560172\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dame Jenni Murray, longest-serving BBC Woman\u2019s Hour presenter, dies aged 75<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/03\/20\/doctor-fans-claim-boss-lost-it-instagram-post-27557319\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Doctor Who fans claim boss has \u2018lost it\u2019 after Instagram post<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/03\/19\/inside-joe-sugg-dianne-buswells-3-500-000-mansion-raise-baby-son-27534152\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Inside Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell\u2019s \u00a33,500,000 mansion where they\u2019ll raise baby son<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-comments\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"#metro-comments-container\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tComment now<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tComments<br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" class=\"metro-button share-bar-preferred-source\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tAdd as preferred source<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tTV Newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Speculation remains rife over who will be taking over as Strictly Come Dancing hosts (Picture: PA) A former&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":396577,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[265],"tags":[3412,18,117,19,17,23260,180450,128],"class_list":{"0":"post-396576","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-bbc","9":"tag-eire","10":"tag-entertainment","11":"tag-ie","12":"tag-ireland","13":"tag-strictly-come-dancing","14":"tag-the-x-factor","15":"tag-tv"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/116267106043847197","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/396576","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=396576"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/396576\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/396577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=396576"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=396576"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=396576"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}