He’s the hilarious Gavin & Stacey star who’s made us howl as Uncle Bryn and dazzled with his pitch-perfect impressions on Would I Lie To You? – but Rob Brydon has delivered a savage blow to Strictly Come Dancing bosses by declaring he’d never host the show ‘in a million years’.

The 60-year-old Welsh funnyman, known for his cheeky charm and spot-on mimicry, spilled the beans in a candid chat with Chris Evans on Virgin Radio, insisting he’d rather cherish his precious weekends than step into the sparkly shoes left vacant by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

‘Not in a million years,’ Rob declared firmly. ‘It’s your weekend gone. I like my Saturdays. I like going to see the boys in their sporting fixtures. I like going and having a brunch somewhere, taking the dog. Maybe for some, having the biggest show or busiest schedule gives peace of mind. I like all the other things. I like going to the garden centre. I like raking leaves.’

Ouch! As the BBC scrambles to replace the iconic duo – who’ve fronted the glittering juggernaut for years – Rob’s blunt rejection has left fans in stitches and producers potentially red-faced, especially amid reports of a star-studded shortlist battling for the coveted roles.

The bombshell comes just as BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips revealed her inbox has been ‘inundated’ with eager A-listers desperate for the gig. Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, she teased: ‘Yes – my inbox has been inundated. I can’t say names obviously but it is one of the best gigs in television so we have had so many people who are keen to be considered which is great.’

Kate stressed the importance of chemistry between co-hosts, adding: ‘I think because it’s two roles and Claudia and Tess have had such a strong relationship, I think it would be hard just to hire someone cold without seeing how they are with the other person. I think that is a really important part of it. I don’t think it’s necessarily about having a really big name – shows like Strictly, format is king and no one is bigger than that show.’

Reports claim up to 10 big names are set for screen tests next month, with frontrunners including Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Alan Carr. But they’ll face stiff competition from This Morning’s Alison Hammond, cheeky Rylan Clark, Good Morning Britain’s Rob Rinder, Radio 2’s Zoe Ball, former queen Holly Willoughby, Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden and Irish presenter Angela Scanlon.

One insider dished: ‘Ultimately, no one is bigger than the show so whichever lucky pair land the jobs will be the ones who the BBC think will be the perfect accompaniment to the series.’

Rob’s no-thanks stance is a far cry from his past flirtations with the Strictly world. Back in 2021, the comedian revealed he’d turned down a spot as a contestant over fears of the infamous ‘Strictly curse’ – that notorious spell where celebs and pros fall head over heels (and often split from partners).

He also joked about the confusion his uncanny resemblance to judge Anton Du Beke would cause, quipping: ‘It would be confusing. People would think I’m on it because of my resemblance to that very handsome man, Anton Du Beke, who I’m often mistaken for.’

Anton himself has shared hilarious tales of fans mixing them up, including once signing an autograph as ‘Rob Brydon’ after a stubborn supporter refused to believe he was the pro dancer.

Yet in 2020, Rob admitted watching Bill Bailey’s triumphant run inspired him to consider competing, telling pros he finally saw a path for ‘older gentlemen’ to be taken seriously rather than just as comic relief.

But hosting? That’s a firm pass. At 60, with a thriving career hosting panel shows, touring stand-up and starring in hits like the upcoming Gavin & Stacey Christmas finale, Rob seems content with his quieter pleasures.

The dad-of-two – married to former TV producer Claire Holland since 2006 – has always prioritised family life, often gushing about his sons Tom and George from his first marriage, and his younger kids with Claire.

His love for low-key weekends shines through: Brunch dates, dog walks, kids’ football matches and even raking leaves at the garden centre. In a world of relentless hustle, Rob’s embracing the simple joys – and fans are loving his relatable vibe.

Social media erupted with support: ‘Rob Brydon choosing garden centres over Strictly? King behaviour 😂’, ‘Finally a celeb who values weekends! More raking leaves please’, and ‘Tess and Claudia’s shoes are impossible anyway – respect to Rob for knowing his limits!’

Others joked: ‘Rob hosting Strictly? Imagine the impressions mid-show – but nah, let him rake in peace.’

As the Strictly saga rumbles on – with the show still reeling from recent controversies but determined to sparkle brighter than ever – Rob’s snub serves as a reminder that not every star craves the spotlight 24/7.

With the Gavin & Stacey finale looming (and Rob teasing no resolution to that infamous fishing trip mystery), he’s got plenty on his plate without Saturday night chaos.

Who will land the hosting crown? Bradley’s warmth? Alison’s giggles? Rylan’s glamour? Watch this space – but don’t expect Rob Brydon front and centre anytime soon.

He’s too busy enjoying his leaves… and his life.

Do YOU think Rob should reconsider Strictly hosting? Who should replace Tess and Claudia? Email [email protected]

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Why Rob’s snub has fans in hysterics

• Weekend warrior: Prioritises family sports, brunches and dog walks.
• Garden centre king: Admits loving a spot of leaf-raking!
• No to the grind: Rejects ‘biggest show’ for peace of mind.
• Past teases: Once eyed competing but feared ‘curse’ and Anton mix-ups.

The frontrunners battling for Strictly hosting glory

• Bradley Walsh: Warm, experienced – bookies’ favourite.
• Alex Jones: The One Show pro – safe pair of hands.
• Alan Carr: Cheeky chatty vibes – fan fave for laughs.
• Alison Hammond: This Morning queen – infectious energy.
• Rylan Clark: Glamour and gossip – perfect sparkle.
• Others in mix: Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, Zoe Ball, Rob Rinder, Angela Scanlon.

Rob’s cheeky Strictly history revealed

• 2021 curse fear: Turned down contestant spot over romance risks.
• Anton doppelgänger: Fans (and Anton!) constantly mix them up.
• Bill Bailey boost: 2020 win inspired him to think he could ‘go far’.
• Surprise appearances: Popped up via video – referenced lookalike jokes.

Best fan reactions to Rob’s ‘million years’ quip

• “Rob choosing leaves over Strictly? Relatable icon 😂”
• “Garden centre over glitterball? My kinda celeb!”
• “Let the man brunch in peace – Strictly who? 🐕”
• “Imagine Rob impressions during dances – but nah, weekends win!”
• “Tess & Claudia irreplaceable anyway – Rob knows it!”

What’s next for Strictly without Tess & Claudia?

• Screen tests imminent for 10 stars.
• Chemistry key – no solo big names.
• Format reigns supreme – new hosts must sparkle together.
• 2026 series set to dazzle despite changes.

Rob Brydon: Proof that sometimes, the best gig is no gig at all. Long live lazy Saturdays! 🍂