‘I’m too busy for the biggest gig on TV’ – guess who’s turned down Strictly | UK | News
Popular Brummie presenter turns down chance to host Strictly (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Alison Hammond turned down the chance to host Strictly Come Dancing, saying: “I’m too busy babe.”
The irrepressible Brummie, who hosts ITV’s This Morning, has revealed she was approached for one of the most coveted roles on television but couldn’t take the job due to her busy schedule.
Alison, 51, was wanted by BBC bosses following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left at the end of the last series.
Asked if he had received a call to take over the reins of the hit series, he told the latest issue of Radio Times: “Actually I have. You weren’t expecting that answer, were you? I can’t lie, I’m clumsy.”
“I’m so busy, baby, I’m not sure it’s going to happen. It’s unrealistic. I’m so happy they’re thinking of me, but I can’t do it like the Traitors because everything is colliding.”
“I’d love to do that; anyone who can do that will find the perfect job. “But I’m very happy with everything I have. What would I definitely stop doing?”
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Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly left last year’s hit dance show (Image: PA)
Mum-of-one Alison rose to fame in 2002 as a contestant on the third series of Channel 4 reality show Big Brother. He has since taken on a number of presenting roles, including The Great British Bake Off, and has been linked with an appearance on Celebrity Traitors.
The 28-year-old has been in a relationship with Russian model and massage therapist David Putman since 2023 but recently went public and admitted that they are “absolutely in love”.
Alison said: “She has such a beautiful energy and everyone feels it when they’re around her. It’s so rare.”
“I am so grateful that he chose to spend his life with me.”
Her meteoric rise and popularity has allowed her to present the ITV reality documentary series For the Love of Dogs and appear as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Coach Trip, Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Masterchef and I Can See Your Voice.
He now presents This Morning with Dermot O’Leary every Friday, adding: “People say I work hard, but it’s not hard to get on TV and be myself. My job is simple: just show up and be me. It’s not even work, is it? I’m just lucky.”
The BBC is yet to announce who will present when it returns in September, but those rumored to be in the running for the job include actress and comedian Miranda Hart, Zoe Ball, Emma Willis and Rylan Clark.
