Alan Carr appears to have ruled himself out of replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 49-year-old Celebrity Traitors winner had been a fan favourite for the coveted presenting role following the duo’s dramatic double exit.
Alan Carr has shared some exciting news, but it also makes it impossible for him to take on the Strictly Come Dancing presenting role—even if he wanted to.
“It’s official. I’m heading back on tour across the UK and Ireland in 2027,” he announced on social media, revealing a series of dates for his live shows.
Importantly, Alan’s performances will take place in cities like Nottingham and Bristol on Fridays and Saturdays throughout October and November—the very weekends that would coincide with Strictly filming. This makes it highly unlikely that the Changing Ends star would be available for the coveted role.
Although Alan Carr’s tour dates are two years away, it’s unlikely that Strictly Come Dancing bosses would consider him for the 2026 series if he isn’t available for the following year.
“There is simply no way that Alan Carr will be able to do both his tour and the Strictly job,” a source told MailOnline.
“Saturdays are sacrosanct to the Strictly team, and as brilliant as Alan is, they won’t be able to accommodate a change. He’s clearly made his decision and has effectively ruled himself out of replacing Tess and Claudia. He is unlikely to step into the role for just a single year, as the BBC want presenters who will commit long-term.”
BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips has also revealed that she has been “inundated” with applications for the role.
“We have had so many people who are keen to be considered, which is great,” Kate Phillips said following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s joint exit from Strictly Come Dancing.
Bookies currently favour Holly Willoughby for the role, with other potential contenders including Radio 2’s Zoe Ball, X Factor’s Rylan Clark, and The Voice’s Emma Willis.
Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, began co-presenting in 2014 after Bruce Forsyth stepped back from the show. In October, Tess—who hosted alongside Bruce from 2004 until his departure in 2013—appeared in an emotional video with Claudia, reflecting on “21 wonderfully joyful years.”
In a statement to her fans, Tess said it was “time to say goodbye” and described Strictly as “about joy, celebration, and bringing people together.” She also paid tribute to her co-host, adding: “To my beloved Claud – what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you.”
“You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared,” Tess added.
Claudia, who joined the Strictly team in 2004 and became co-host in 2014, described the show as “the greatest relationship of my career.”