The BBC have finally chosen Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly Come Dancing successors after a ‘ long, drawn-out process’.
Last year, the duo stunned viewers by announcing it was the ‘right time’ for them to depart, having always insisted they would leave together.
Rumours quickly began swirling around who would replace them for one of the biggest jobs on British TV, with everyone from Holly Willoughby to Alan Carr and Amanda Holden reportedly shortlisted for the high-profile gig.
The wait is almost over as the ‘final day of screen tests’ have concluded, with the chosen presenters waiting for that all-important call.
A source told The Sun: ‘Yesterday was the final day of screen tests, so bosses have tried out lots of different combinations of hosts together, and today they are sitting down to make the decision.’
Get personalised updates on Strictly
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
Nine stars were said to be in the final phase of auditions: Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Tom Allen, Angela Scanlon, Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh, Zoe Ball, Alison Hammond and La Voix.
The source continued: ‘They want it done and dusted this week. The announcement may not come for a few more weeks, because obviously contracts will need to be signed but the powers that be will be naming who they want in closed-door meetings as we speak.
‘They really didn’t want to get this wrong, which is why it’s been such a long, drawn-out process. Everyone who has auditioned and been invited for screen tests is on tenterhooks, they just want to know now.’
The auditions reportedly mimicked a Strictly show, with judges and even a live band, to see who has what it takes to cope with the pressures of live television.
Metro spoke to Alison about the swirling rumours that she had auditioned, despite her previous dismissal that she was ‘too busy’.
She said: ‘Do you think I would turn down Strictly if Strictly came along? Who would turn down Strictly! They’d be absolutely crazy.’
Explaining her thinking about previously trying to put the brakes on the rumours, the This Morning star shared: ‘I was trying to back them off because ultimately everyone keeps putting my name in the mix and they’re ruining my chances of even getting on to Strictly, d’you know what I mean?’
‘You all need to stop talking about it because I need to get in.’
Presenters in contention have reportedly all signed non-disclosure agreements to keep all the details about the auditions top secret.
Given the prestige of the ballroom dancing show for the BBC, they’ve reportedly got the broadcaster’s top bosses overseeing proceedings, including incoming director general Matt Brittin.
Strictly is set to return this winter, expected to fill the usual Christmas countdown slot on the BBC.
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 celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.