One TV star who was a favourite to replace hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly has admitted why he wouldn’t want to take on the role.
Since the two stars announced their departure in November, speculation has mounted over who will replace the iconic duo presenting the Saturday night flagship show.
The Strictly Christmas special marked the last time we would see the pair present the dance competition together.
Their reign has officially ended, but still there hasn’t been an announcement about who will replace them.
Despite being a favourite in the running for one of the positions, Bradley Walsh has announced why he wouldn’t want the gig.
He told Radio Times that it ‘would absolutely ruin [his] weekend.’
![From Potato Beat The Chasers: SR6 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Bradley Walsh. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: liberty.warner@itv.com](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SEI_234334909-6d46-e1762076554321.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The 65-year-old explained what his Friday-Sundays entail and it doesn’t sound he wants them to change.
Bradley gave a ‘potted version’ of how his weekends look: ‘I come home from the studio on a Friday, have dinner and watch I’m a Celebrity.
‘On Saturday, I’ll watch the football results, have dinner and a pint, watch Strictly, then I’m a Celebrity, and flip back to the BBC for Match of the Day.’
His Sundays also revolve around the telly.
The Chase presenter admitted that he likes a lie-in and some Columbo on a Sunday morning, followed by more football and reality TV.
What did Claudia and Tess say about their departure?
Both Claudia and Tess shared separate statements after their joint video announcing they’d be leaving Strictly.
On her Instagram, Tess said: ‘After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. […]
‘This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart – but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.’
Claudia’s post read: ‘It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It’s been the greatest relationship of my career. […]
‘I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.’
Although he does tune into the Strictly results, Bradley concluded: ‘If I was to host Strictly, it would absolutely ruin my weekend.’
![Strictly embargoed until the 25th of March 2025** From Hungry Bear Media. Bradley & Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad: on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Pictured: Bradley and Barney Walsh. This photograph is (C) ITV plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SEI_244332794-c7f2.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Besides, he’s already a prominent feature for lots of people on a Saturday night, hosting Gladiator on BBC alongside his son, Barney Walsh.
They’ve had the gig since the show’s reboot in 2023, when it came back to our screens after over 20 years.
Bradley and Barney, 28, were starring on TV together before this, too.
In 2019, they launched Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad, which has seen the pair travel the world across six seasons of the show.
Bradley also hosts one of ITV’s long-running quiz show, The Chase – a position he’s held since its inception in 2009.
Other presenters on the channel have been tipped to present the BBC dance show, including former Lorraine host and Loose Women panelist Christine Lampard.
Alongside the 46-year-old married to former footballer Frank Lampard, more names are reportedly in the mix.
These include the likes of Rylan Clark, Holly Willoughby, and Alison Hammond.
Chatty Man Alan Carr is also said to have ruled himself out. A source told The Sun that ‘he’s spoken with the BBC and basically he cannot move his tour,’.
Hi 90-gig extravaganza, the Have I Said Too Much? tour, runs from January through to December, clashing with the usual Strictly schedule.
The latest issue of Radio Times is available to buy now. Gladiators returns this Saturday at 5.45pm.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
