BFFs Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks open up on whether they could take on the mantel from Claudia and Tess as Strictly co-hosts, as rumours swirl about who could be taking over
Besties Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks have opened up on whether they could take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as co-hosts of Strictly, following news of the winning duo’s shock departure from the BBC show after this series. As they’re asked the question during a fun, banter-filled exclusive shoot with Notebook, Sam pipes up, “Pete has to be the new presenter. He has to do it!”, as he shoots a mischievous look at his pal.
But in typical fashion when it comes to the friends’ dynamic, former TOWIE star Pete is less enthused than Sam about the prospect of becoming the nation’s new Tess and Claud. “I’m not ready to cut in a fringe,” he laughs. “Tess and Claudia are so brilliant and so professional, and we’re useless.”
Pete maintains he’s ‘not ready to cut in a fringe’ (Image: Reach PLC / Alex James)
He adds, “It would be the most chaotic thing in the world, me and Sam doing it. I don’t think Strictly will be asking us any time soon.” But Sam’s as enthusiastic and optimistic as ever. “I’d be very shocked if we got the phone call, but I’d give it a go if we were asked,” he smiles.
The pair’s hilarious podcast Staying Relevant is a huge chart-topping success, with a new book now on the shelves too, and a massive show recently at London’s 02. Pete, who made it to the semil-finals on Strictly last year with Jowita Przystal, also opened up about ‘that’ kiss with his former dancing partner during a routine in the show which garnered instant headlines.
“I brought her out for a dance,” he insists simply. “Part of that was because we didn’t make the finals and I feel like I hadn’t completed the whole Strictly thing.
