Fleur East breaks silence on Strictly hosting job

Hits Radio Breakfast presenter and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host Fleur East has been on the rumoured list of famous names of who could be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with fans thinking it would be the natural step-up for her to host the main show.

However, with rumours rife that Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe have actually landed the prestigious job, Fleur has now honestly opened up about the job.

Speaking to co-hosts Will Best and James Barr on Hits Radio Breakfast, Fleur said: "Alright, I'm going to say it.

"So I did say initially, after Tess and Claudia were announced, they were leaving Strictly. And Will, you were doing the odds checker, and you were saying, 'Fleur you're at the top, you're one of the favourites to do it'. I did say, 'you know, yeah, but you know, it's probably not going to happen and I'm happy for whoever gets it'.

"And you know, we were just talking about Emma Willis being announced. And I was like 'yeah, great, amazing', but so many people have asked me, 'but wouldn't you love to do it?', and I've kind of lied to myself that I'd be all right with not doing it or not being considered for the job."

She went on to admit: "But I think I'm kind of bothered."

When co-host Will said: "Mate, I mean, that's totally understandable," Fleur added: "I think it's okay to kind of admit that, oh, I don't know, I'm doing it, it's happening.

"I think it's okay to admit that. Being faced with the opportunity of such an incredible job. I mean, it's an amazing show. I've not only had the privilege and pleasure of being on it, but then also hosting It Takes Two and being part of the family. Like it's been an incredible job to be part of."

Fleur then said: "So when you're within touching distance of something like that, and even considering it for a minute, I never allowed myself to really go fully there, but I did think about it. I was like, that would be amazing.

"I guess I have been lying to myself when I've been saying 'yeah, I'm fine'. When James asked Fleur if she is okay, she replied: "Yeah. I'm alright. I'm coming to terms. But I feel like I think I was okay before until it was sort of like kind of confirmed that someone's got the job. Because until it was confirmed, I was like, well, they might call me one day.

"They might do all the tests and they go, actually, yeah, we haven't seen Fleur. Let's give her a little call."

READ MORE: Popular pro dancer 'revealed' as new Strictly host

Although the BBC are yet to officially announce the new hosts, reports are rife that Emma Willis will be joined by Strictly professional Johannes Radebe for the upcoming 2026 series.

Fleur first joined the Strictly family when she appeared as a contestant during the 20th series in 2022, being partnered with the lovely Vito Coppola.

'Team Fleurito' went on to become fan favourites, with Fleur showing off her impressive moves week in, week out, before the pair eventually made it to the final. Following a public vote, Fleur and Vito finished as runners-up, behind eventual winners Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystał.

That wasn't the end of Fleur's Strictly career, the singer went on to take over from Rylan Clark on BBC Two spin-off series It Takes Two in 2023, alongside former pro Janette Manrara.

Although Fleur won't be hosting Strictly, you can still hear her every weekday morning on The Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Will Best and James Barr.