Presenter Rylan Clark is believed to have been given an exciting opportunity by the BBC as the broadcaster scrambles for replacements for its flagship series, Strictly Come Dancing.
The This Morning star, 37, isn’t a stranger to the Strictly family, having hosted spin-off chat show It Takes Two from 2019 to 2022.
He is now understood to be in line to replace long-term presenters of the show, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who quit after the latest series.
However, rather than merely being rumoured for the role, BBC sources have now claimed that Mr Clark, along with others, has been invited to audition for the coveted role.
Rylan Clark is understood to have been asked to do screen tests for BBC Strictly
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ITVMail Online reports those auditioning will be paired with other potential hosts.
The insider stated Mr Clark has been shortlisted for the Strictly gig, but will need to do screen tests in a couple of weeks for producers to determine chemistry with other possible hosts.
Speaking to the publication, the source commented: “Rylan has a long-standing association with the show, and Angela [Scanlon] has been a contestant.
“But the main thing is they’d be a totally new pairing – no baggage, no former shows, uniquely Strictly.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly filmed their final BBC Strictly episode last year
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BBC“On top of that, they want to be sure that an all-female presenting line-up isn’t replaced by an old-fashioned male-female duo where the man takes on a dominant role.
“Rylan isn’t like that at all. Plus, he absolutely loves the show and the viewers already love him.”
An insider also claimed the presenter would “bite the BBC’s hand off” for the role.
“For Rylan, it is his dream job. He loved It Takes Two and the viewers loved him. It would be a no-brainer,” they stated.
Rylan Clark immigration speech sparked a series of complaints in August
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ITV“He has so many loyal fans. If he gets the job they will most certainly tune in to Strictly. He will be a ratings winner and the BBC know it.”
Mr Clark is likely to be a hit with viewers, having been a popular host on several other shows.
However, last year his presenting came under fire during a This Morning segment in which he broke into a rant about immigration.
Discussing the topic of immigration and small boats with guests, Mr Clark began to share his own opinions, stating: “To be honest, this is a major worry now.”
Angela Scanlon is also in the running for BBC Strictly presenter, according to sources
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PAHe continued: “Taking politics out of this, let’s just look at the country too. This country is built on immigration, legal immigration, a lot of nurses and doctors have come over here from other countries.
“They’re living a great life. They’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.
“I find it absolutely insane that all these people – one, are risking their lives coming across the channel like they are and two, when they get here, it does seem – and I think this is why a lot of Labour voters are now sitting there going, ‘there’s something wrong here,’ – [are told] ‘here’s the hotel, here’s the phones, here’s your iPad, here’s three meals a day, have a lovely time.’
“And then there’s people that have lived here all their lives, they are struggling, they’re homeless.”
His words prompted a huge reaction on social media, with viewers split down the middle on where they stood regarding his take.