Louise Minchin, 52, has been a regular face on the BBC Breakfast sofa for the past 20 years and has gained a huge fan base as a result. With the journalist deciding to step down from presenting the show, viewers will be interested to know what she has lined up next. As Strictly Come Dancing is just around the corner, some are speculating the broadcaster might be swapping early mornings for long hours in the dance studio as she prepares to join the 2021 line-up.
Many of Louise’s colleagues have taken part in the reality competition before, including Naga Munchetty, 46, Carol Kirkwood, 59, and most recently, Mike Bushell, 55.
With no member of the team featuring in the 2020 line-up, it could be time for the Strictly bosses to lock down another star from the news programme.
During her announcement on Tuesday morning, Louise said she would be leaving “some time after the summer”.
This seems to suggest the broadcaster will be making her exit from the hosting panel by the Autumn, which would be just in time for the dance show to start entering the television schedules.
Bookmakers also believe the presenter is going to be amongst the list of famous faces strutting their stuff on the dance floor.
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According to Ladbrokes, Louise’s chances of taking part have been slashed as her odds of being in the line-up now stand at 3/1.
Spokesperson for the bookmakers, Jessica O’Reilly, said: “Louise is well-loved on BBC One and although fans of Breakfast will soon miss her, the odds suggest it won’t be too long before she’s back on screen as a Strictly contestant.”
The cast list will be unveiled in the coming weeks as Strictly fans gear up for an Autumn of dazzling on-screen entertainment.
Therefore, there has been no official announcement as to whether the journalist will be featuring or not.
Louise’s co-star Dan Walker, 44, is another name stapled to the 2021 line-up after he left his role as host of Football Focus a few weeks ago.
The journalist has showcased a few dance moves on BBC Breakfast recently, which has led some fans to believe he would be perfect for the reality show.
Sources are also suggesting he could be a good contender for the Glitterball Trophy as one insider said: “Dan would be a great fit for Strictly.
“He has fans across a range of age groups, he is charismatic and also a real family man,” they told The Sun.
Dan was originally meant to feature as part of the 2020 line-up but turned down the chance to strut his stuff on the dance floor.
Speaking on The One Show, he said: “There’s a regular phone call that comes in. The problem is I’ve got a big wingspan. I’m 6ft 6in, I’d need a big dance floor!
“I always think that Strictly is a better spectator sport than it is to participate,” the sports fanatic explained.
Fans are also keen to see him take part as one viewer wrote on Twitter: “@mrdanwalker Strictly training starting soon?”
Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to return later this year. BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One.
