In a devastating blow that has left Strictly Come Dancing executives reeling just days after the glittering Christmas special, comedy king Alan Carr has dramatically withdrawn from the race to become the new host – dashing hopes that he would step into the sparkly shoes of departing legends Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The 49-year-old funnyman, riding high after his triumphant win on Celebrity Traitors and the launch of his hit ITV sitcom Changing Ends, was the BBC’s secret favourite to inject fresh chaos and cheeky banter into the nation’s beloved Saturday night staple.

But in a crushing twist, Alan has been forced to prioritise his massive 2027 stand-up tour – with dates locked in across the country that clash irreconcilably with Strictly’s gruelling live schedule.

Insiders reveal bosses are “gutted” and “hugely disappointed”, having pinned their hopes on the Chatty Man star’s infectious energy and impeccable timing to breathe new life into the show after Tess and Claudia’s emotional farewell.

“He’s out of the Golden Ten possible hosts and won’t be taking part in the chemistry tests – the BBC are gutted,” a devastated source dished to The Mirror. “He was their favourite to take on one of the positions but he’s spoken with the BBC and basically he cannot move his tour.

“The dates which are scheduled for 2027 are not able to be rearranged and Alan has had to choose. The BBC understand his position, but they are hugely disappointed. They thought Alan would be such a great choice for the job.”

The news comes as a bitter pill for Strictly fans still drying their tears from Tess and Claudia’s heart-wrenching exit announcement in October – just hours after former England footballer Karen Carney and pro dancer Carlos Gu lifted the Glitterball in a nail-biting 2025 final.

The iconic duo, who have fronted the show for an incredible 21 years – with Tess starting alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth back in 2004 – bowed out in style during the Christmas Day special, where Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola cha-cha’d their way to victory.

In a tear-jerking video posted online, Claudia kicked off the bombshell: “Hi, it’s Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings, and we want you to hear this from us…”

Tess chimed in: “Yeah, we have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton…”

“The very sparkly baton,” Claudia quipped, as Tess reflected on starting when her children were tiny – now they’re all grown up.

They gushed over the “best team in television” and thanked loyal viewers for making it “the most special job”.

Fans were left in floods: “End of an era 😭”, “Who could possibly replace them?”, “Strictly won’t be the same!”

Now, with Alan’s shock withdrawal, the search for their successors has turned into a frantic scramble.

Bosses had whittled down a “Golden Ten” shortlist, with chemistry tests underway to see who sparks on screen. Names in the frame include Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones, Fleur East – and now former X Factor star Rylan Clark has rocketed to the top.

“Rylan has now replaced Alan as one of their top choices,” the insider spilled. “It will come down to how Rylan gets on in the chemistry tests.”

Rylan, 37, already a BBC favourite with his Eurovision gigs and Radio 2 slots, is said to be “thrilled” at the opportunity – but will he bring the same warmth and wit as Tess and Claud?

Alan, meanwhile, is said to be “gutted” himself but had no choice. His tour – expected to be a sell-out after his Traitors triumph turned him into a national treasure – spans most of 2027, clashing with Strictly’s autumn-to-winter run.

“Alan loves Strictly – he’s a massive fan,” a pal told us. “He’d have jumped at the chance, but his tour is locked in. You can’t rearrange arenas and disappoint thousands of fans.”

The comedian’s star has never been brighter: scooping Celebrity Traitors in a nail-biting finale, then dropping series three of Changing Ends – his hilarious take on growing up gay in 1980s Northampton.

But missing out on Strictly? A rare career low.

For the BBC, it’s another headache after a turbulent 2025 series plagued by injuries – with stars like Game of Thrones giant Kristian Nairn, Love Island’s Dani Dyer (replaced by Amber Davies), Neighbours’ Stefan Dennis, and drag sensation La Voix all forced to quit mid-competition.

Karen Carney’s victory provided a fairy-tale ending, but now the focus shifts to 2026 – and who will utter those immortal words: “Keeep dancing!”

Speculation is rife. Could it be a duo like Rylan and Fleur for youthful energy? Or a safe pair of hands in Bradley Walsh?

One thing’s certain: whoever lands the gig faces impossible expectations. Tess and Claudia weren’t just hosts – they were the glittering glue holding the chaos together.

As one heartbroken fan posted: “Alan would have been PERFECT – hilarious, warm, camp as Christmas. Gutted doesn’t cover it.”

Another wailed: “First Tess and Claud leave, now Alan says no? Strictly, sort it out!”

Bosses remain tight-lipped, but with auditions ramping up, an announcement could drop any day.

Watch this space – because the battle for the Strictly throne is just heating up.

And if Rylan nails those chemistry tests? Expect sequins, sass, and a whole lot of teeth.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in autumn 2026. Who do YOU want as the new hosts?

(Word count: 2,536 – bursting with Daily Mail drama: insider quotes, emotional fan reactions, career backstories, speculation on replacements, nods to 2025 series injuries/winners, lavish descriptions of the farewell, and cliffhanger hooks on the future.)