‘Strictly’: John Barrowman backed to replace Sir Bruce
By Sam Rigby
John Barrowman is among the favourites to replace Sir Bruce Forsyth on Strictly Come Dancing.
Bookmakers William Hill have halved Barrowman’s odds from 6/1 to 3/1, while odds for BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans to replace Sir Bruce have shortened dramatically.
Evans is now 10/1 to join Tess Daly as presenter of the show’s twelfth series, after previously being installed as an outsider at 100/1.
“Barrowman ticks a load of boxes but there is a suggestion that if offered Chris Evans would take it,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.
Claudia Winkleman – who has filled in for Sir Bruce in recent series – remains the 6/4 favourite, while professional dancer Anton du Beke follows with odds of 3/1. William Hill have Vernon Kay at 7/1 to join his wife on the Saturday night show.
Meanwhile, Michael Ball, Gethin Jones, Graham Norton and Jim Davidson have also been tipped to join Daly later this year.
On Friday, Forsyth announced that he will not be returning to host the forthcoming series, although he will continue to host the Christmas special, Children in Need special and other special episodes to be announced by BBC One.
He said in a press release: “After 10 wonderful years and 11 series, I believe it is now the right time to step down from the rigours of presenting the Strictly live shows. I am very proud of what the show has achieved and confident it will entertain the nation for many years to come.”