A leading contender to front the BBC series has made a major announcement.

One of the BBC’s leading contenders has ruled himself out of the gig (Image: BBC)

One of the BBC’s leading contenders to take over Strictly Come Dancing has sensationally ruled himself out of the role — and for a reason few saw coming. With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down after more than two decades at the helm, speculation has been rife over who could replace the iconic duo. But now one of the strongest names in the frame has made it clear he wants no part of the ballroom. The presenter in question is Bradley Walsh, who has repeatedly been tipped as a natural successor following the hosts’ decision to bow out after the Christmas special.

Last year, betting site Poker Scout even listed Bradley as a frontrunner, placing him at 4/1 odds and saying the figures were “underlining the feeling that the BBC could opt for a proven prime-time favourite.” Despite that, Bradley, 65, has now shut down the rumours — insisting the job would “ruin” his weekend. Speaking candidly to Radio Times, the TV favourite explained how tightly he guards his Saturdays and Sundays.

Bradley, 65, has now shut down the rumours — insisting the job would “ruin” his weekend (Image: Getty)

He said: “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.

“On Sunday I get up late, watch some Columbo, then the football, followed by the Strictly results, then I’m a Celebrity, and then Match of the Day.

“If I was to host Strictly, it would absolutely ruin my weekend.”

The blunt admission appears to pour cold water on months of speculation surrounding Bradley’s future with the glittering dance show, despite his close ties to the BBC and experience fronting major formats including Gladiators and Beat The Chasers.

He has previously ruled himself out of ever competing on the show, admitting back in 2021 that he simply cannot dance. But rumours of his involvement have refused to go away.

In November, it was reported that Bradley was being actively considered by Strictly bosses, with sightings at Elstree Studios alongside the show’s head dressmaker Theresa Hewlett only fuelling talk.

At the time, Alex Jones was also tipped as a potential co-host. Alex, 47, competed on Strictly in 2011 and narrowly missed out on the final with professional partner James Jordan.

A source previously said: “Alex and Bradley are both the favourites to take over from Tess and Claudia. They have been in the BBC’s sights for some time as Tess and Claudia’s exit plan has been known for a while.

“Bradley and Alex are both seen as accomplished broadcasters. He brings the wisecracks and Alex is the calm head who knows how to handle live situations after 15 years of co-hosting The One Show.”

Insiders have also claimed Strictly bosses have drawn up a so-called “golden ten” shortlist for chemistry tests, featuring names including Alan Carr, Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond and Angela Scanlon.