Presenter Fleur East has admitted she is "bothered" about seemingly being "snubbed" from taking over Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly's presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing.
The singer has presented the show's spin-off series, It Takes Two, alongside Janette Manrara since 2023, and with reports suggesting that Emma Willis has landed the coveted presenting gig, Ms East made a candid confession.
The presenter opened up on Hits Radio Breakfast Show on Wednesday, where she explained to hosts Will Best and James Barr that she felt somewhat disappointed.
"All right, I'm going to say it" she began. "I did say initially, after Tess and Claudia announced they were leaving Strictly you know, it's probably not going to happen [for me] and I'm happy for whoever gets it.
Fleur East has hosted Strictly: It Takes Two since 2023
| BBC"And we were just talking about Emma Willis being announced and I was like, 'yeah, great, amazing,' 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. But I'm kind of bothered."
Following the unexpected admission, she continued: "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, it's been an incredible job to be a part of.
"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.'
Emma Willis is believed to be one of the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts | GETTY"So yeah, I guess I have been lying to myself when I've been saying I'm fine.
"I'm coming to terms with it but I feel I was okay before it was 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.' But it's gone to the right person."
The BBC has yet to confirm who the role has gone to, but it has been widely rumoured to be Ms Willis following screen tests which are understood to have taken place recently.
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Fleur East admitted she is 'bothered' about not being asked to replace Tess or Claudia as Strictly host
| BBCIt has also been speculated that Strictly professional Johannes Radebe will be co-hosting alongside Ms Willis.
Speaking to The Sun about the recent auditions, a source stated: "During the chemistry tests he was paired up with every other celeb and did incredibly well. They all think he would be the perfect partner for Emma."
They added: "He knows the dances better than anyone and is incredibly popular with Strictly fans.
"Whether he's going to be a host like Emma or take a slightly different presenting role is being ironed out."
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly filmed their final BBC Strictly episode last year | BBCAmong those were were understood to have taken part in screen tests was presenter Zoe Ball, who also confirmed this week that she hadn't been given the role.
"I was so chuffed to even be in the mix," she explained. "There were some pretty amazing people who didn't even make it into the mix."
Expressing her disappointment though, she also confessed: "I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days."
The BBC has stated that "further plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, including the new hosts" will be "confirmed in due course."
The returning judging panel features Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas.