Rylan Clark has revealed how he is really feeling after the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing were announced.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have officially been confirmed by the BBC to be taking over the corporation’s flagship show.
The announcement comes after weeks of intense speculation and rumoured audition processes after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s shock exit last year.
Now, however, 37-year-old Rylan has shared a tongue-in-cheek social media post about his reaction to the decision.
Posting on Instagram, the Eurovision semi-final co-host shared an image of his written statement alongside the infamous video of him crying on The X Factor back in 2012.
‘Just wanted to say as it was reported I was in “The Race” for strictly, the biggest congrats to my Emma and equal congrats to Johannes and Josh,’ the post read.
‘You’re all going to have the best time. Made up for you’s. This wasn’t my time sadly but am extremely grateful to even have been considered.
‘I’m taking the news really well (see next slide) but genuinely looking forward to the new series with you three.’
Commenting on his post, several celebrities shared laughing emojis, including the likes of Alan Carr and Dani Dyer.
Willis, meanwhile, wrote in the comments section: ‘I love you,’ with a laughing emoji.
Former I’m A Celebrity star Jake Quickenden also said: ‘You’d have been great but the others will be great also! Love ya man
Rob Rinder, who Rylan won a Bafta with for the second season of Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India, then said: ‘More time to travel & READ.’
Responding to them all, Rylan added: ‘Let’s keep this what it is. A genuine happiness for the three of them ❤️❤️❤️ x’
The news of Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe’s appointments comes after it was reported that they beat out the stiff competition to clinch the shared job.
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However, the BBC kept the official announcement under wraps until this week.
Posting a video of the trio set to the track Three Is a Magic Number, the clip begins with Willis and then Radebe stepping out in front of the camera.
However, shortly afterwards Widdicombe was revealed to be the one taking the pictures.
The BBC’s chief content officer, Kate Phillips, praised the trio for their ‘undeniable’ chemistry in the long-awaited official announcement.
She said: ‘There’s been so much speculation and hype, so I’m relieved we can share the news with the public at last!
‘I’d like to thank all the brilliant people we saw before making this tough decision.
‘But the most beloved ballroom in the UK always leads the way, and in a Strictly first, we have chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantel.
‘Along with our amazing Strictly team, who are busy planning fabulous and unforgettable treats for this new series, I know this terrific trio can’t wait to join our judges and pros to bring us must-see TV on the BBC this autumn.’
Among the names rumoured to have been in contention were Zoe Ball, Angela Scanlon and It Takes Two hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East, alongside Rylan.
Strictly Come Dancing will return for its 24th season this autumn.
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