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More personalities appear to be on the chopping block at Strictly Come Dancing, we’ve learned.
Last weekend, some British bookies (Ladbrokes among them) suspended betting on Rylan Clark to become a new host. He hasn't been named yet, but suspicious wagering patterns suggested their could be some insider gambling.
His odds tumbled from 4-1 to 1-2 - indicating he is an almost guaranteed replacement.
Clark is a popular English television presenter, radio host, and singer. He first gained fame as a contestant on The X Factor in 2012, later winning Celebrity Big Brother and hosting Big Brother's Bit on the Side, and has since become a staple on BBC and ITV shows like Strictly: It Takes Two and This Morning.
Two popular long time hosts announced their departures last week, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
But Strictly Come Dancing bosses do not appear to be done just yet.
Fans of the show were horrified to learn that Karen Hauer, 43, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk , 36, and Gorka Marquez , 35, have all been axed.
BBC bosses reportedly made their decisions based on how many followers each personality had via their TikTok accounts as producers seek out a younger fresher audience.
"There's no denying this feels like a bold, and slightly risky, pivot for Strictly," PR guru Mayah Riaz tells the Mirror.
"The danger is alienating the very audience that built the show into a Saturday night institution. Strictly's loyal viewers aren't just casual fans, they're emotionally invested. They've grown up with certain dancers and personalities, so when favourites are suddenly dropped, it can feel quite brutal and even disloyal from the show's side.
"If Strictly leans too heavily into trying to be 'cool' or TikTok friendly, they risk losing the warmth and familiarity that makes it so special. That's something money can't buy back once it's gone. Could it backfire? Yes, of course, it absolutely could in the short term. It may be that some older viewers start switching off if they feel the show no longer represents them."
Next Strictly Come Dancing Host Odds
Rylan Clark: 1/2 (Betting suspended)
Angela Scanlon: 2/1 (Strongly tipped to join Rylan).
Zoe Ball: 1/4 (Previously the heavy favourite in earlier market shifts).
Fleur East: 2/1 (Held early favourite spot).
Emma Willis: 5/2 (Considered a safe pair of hands).
Hannah Waddingham: 7/2.
Janette Manrara: 3/1.
- Jordan Bach, Gambling911.com
