Is Amanda Holden Calling Out the 'Boring' Frontrunners of Strictly Come Dancing?

Amanda Holden has made it clear that she won't be taking on the hosting role for Strictly Come Dancing, yet she remains vocal about her preferences for the next presenters. Holden believes the BBC should look beyond the usual suspects and give opportunities to lesser-known talents, particularly women, who have worked hard in the industry. As she balances her commitments on Britain’s Got Talent and her family life, she also expresses her enthusiasm for innovative approaches to casting.

Last updated: 21 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

Amanda Holden has recently spoken about her views on the hosting position for Strictly Come Dancing, which is currently vacant following the exit of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. Although she has declined the opportunity due to her existing commitments, she is keen to see fresh faces take over the role. Holden's comments reflect a desire for innovation in television and a push for diversity in representation, emphasising the importance of recognising talent that may be overlooked in favour of more established names.

Key takeaways

Amanda Holden declines Strictly Come Dancing hosting role due to scheduling conflicts.
She advocates for giving opportunities to lesser-known female presenters in showbiz.
Holden suggests the BBC explore talent at the Edinburgh Festival for hosting roles.
She remains committed to her role on Britain’s Got Talent as the longest-serving host.
The 19th series of Britain’s Got Talent premieres on 21 February 2024.

Timeline: how we got here

The discussion around the Strictly Come Dancing hosting role has gained traction recently, particularly this month as the show gears up for its next series. Key dates include:

1 February 2024: Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announce their departure from Strictly Come Dancing.
10 February 2024: Amanda Holden confirms she will not be taking the hosting role.
21 February 2024: The 19th series of Britain’s Got Talent premieres, where Holden continues her judging role.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Amanda Holden's latest comments highlight her disappointment with the list of potential hosts for Strictly Come Dancing, which she finds uninspired. She suggests a more dynamic approach to casting, particularly for female presenters who have been in the industry for years.

What was already established

It has been well-known that Holden is a long-standing judge on Britain’s Got Talent, having been part of the show since its inception. Her commitment to the programme is a significant factor in her decision to decline other hosting opportunities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Holden's advocacy for new talent could lead to a more diverse representation on television, which may resonate with viewers seeking fresh perspectives. This may also influence how audiences engage with televised competitions, possibly leading to increased interest in shows that highlight emerging talent.

Businesses and jobs

The entertainment industry may see shifts in hiring practices, with a potential increase in opportunities for lesser-known presenters. This could encourage businesses to support diverse talent and foster a more inclusive environment within the sector.

Policy and regulation

As the conversation around diversity in media continues, it may prompt discussions within regulatory bodies regarding representation in broadcasting, potentially leading to guidelines that encourage more equitable hiring practices in the long term.

Numbers that matter

55: Amanda Holden's age, highlighting her experience in the industry.
19: The number of series for Britain’s Got Talent, showcasing its longevity.
3: Key names mentioned by Holden for the Strictly hosting role—Katherine Ryan, Daisy May Cooper, and Alex Jones.
70: The age of Bruno Tonioli, who has been replaced on the panel, indicating a shift towards younger presenters.
21 February 2024: The premiere date for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent.

Definitions and jargon buster

Strictly Come Dancing: A popular BBC dancing competition show featuring celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers.
Britain’s Got Talent (BGT): A talent show franchise originating in the UK, where contestants showcase their skills in front of a panel of judges.
Edinburgh Festival: An annual festival in Scotland that showcases a variety of performing arts, including comedy, theatre, and dance.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the new series of Britain’s Got Talent begins, viewers can expect to see how the panel dynamics change with KSI joining the team. There may also be a focus on how Holden interacts with the new judge.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The impact of Holden's comments regarding representation in media may begin to show in casting decisions for future programmes, particularly in the lead-up to the Edinburgh Festival.

Signals to watch

The response from the BBC to Holden's suggestions for the Strictly hosting role.
Viewership ratings for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent to gauge audience reception of the new judge.
Any announcements regarding fresh faces in BBC programming that align with Holden’s advocacy for diversity.

Practical guidance

Do

Support shows that promote diverse talent and representation.
Engage with social media discussions about casting decisions in the entertainment industry.
Attend events like the Edinburgh Festival to discover emerging talent.

Don’t

Assume that established names are the only viable options for hosting roles.
Overlook the importance of representation in media and its impact on audiences.
Neglect to provide feedback on casting choices to broadcasters.

Checklist

Have you watched the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent?
Are you aware of the potential new hosts for Strictly Come Dancing?
Have you considered supporting lesser-known talents in your local arts community?
Are you following discussions on social media regarding diversity in media?
Have you engaged with platforms showcasing new talent like the Edinburgh Festival?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Amanda Holden's thoughts on representation are well-received, there remains a degree of uncertainty regarding how the BBC will respond to her suggestions. The casting of new hosts is subject to various factors, including audience preferences and the network's strategic direction. Additionally, while Holden’s ideas may resonate with many, the entertainment industry often relies on established names for viewer assurance, which could complicate the push for new talent.

Bottom line

Amanda Holden's clear stance on the need for fresh, diverse talent in hosting roles reflects a growing conversation in the entertainment industry. As Britain’s Got Talent prepares for its new season, the implications of her comments may influence future casting decisions and how audiences engage with new personalities on television.

FAQs

Will Amanda Holden host Strictly Come Dancing?

No, Amanda Holden has stated she will not be taking on the hosting role for Strictly Come Dancing due to her commitments with Britain’s Got Talent.

What does Amanda Holden think about the current frontrunners for Strictly?

Holden finds the list of frontrunners uninspiring and suggests the BBC should look for new talent, particularly women who have worked hard in the industry.

When does Britain’s Got Talent return?

Britain’s Got Talent returns on 21 February 2024, featuring Amanda Holden and the new judge, KSI, among others.