The last series of Strictly Come Dancing only finished what feels like five minutes ago, but there’s already plenty of gossip about the next series.
First off it’s being reported that The One Show’s Alex Jones is the first celebrity to sign up to dance. Apparently BBC bosses want to reward the TV host for the way she handled Jason Manford’s resignation, a source snitched, “Alex has been a dream come true for The One Show. She held the whole thing together and everyone’s grateful. Bosses think it’s her time to shine.” If this is true she’ll certainly be kept busy.
Meanwhile there’s been fresh speculation about who’ll host Strictly in the future...
The position of Strictly Come Dancing male host isn’t actually officially vacant (yet), but that hasn’t stopped speculation that John Barrowman wants to replace showbiz legend Bruce Forsyth.
After the recent National Television Awards we’re not sure if Brucie will ever retire (while collecting his Special Recognition gong he joked that it would be a good time to announce his retirement, before quipping that “I’m not bloody going to.”), but previous frontrunner for the job Vernon Kay might have some competition on his hands. Apparently John (who won last year’s Strictly Christmas Special) wants to host the celebrity dance contest. A source confirmed that John thinks he has the edge over Vern, “John knows Vern's a strong contender but thinks his music and theatre background can swing it."
Meanwhile Bruce’s favourite to take over this show is Vernon (who of course is married to Bruce’s co-host Tess Daly), “I always say Vernon could do a very good job. He would be good. I said that five years ago. There have been people bandied around for the past five or six years. Brad Pitt could take my place. It’s so obvious.”
However Vernon and John could be jumping the gun somewhat, as the 82-year-old TV veteran will has confirmed he will meet with Strictly producers about the next series, “At the end of March, beginning of April we will have talks about Strictly again.”
Who would you like to see dancing and hosting on the next series of Strictly?