Chris Evans has waded in on the debate regarding Dame Darcey Bussell’s Strictly Come Dancing replacement. The 53-year-old presenter revealed he had a “favourite” to take her place on the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli. But before he disclosed the name of the person he would like to see appear on the BBC series he joked about the current judges. On his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, he said: “We will have our favourite to take the place of Darcey Bussell on the judging panel of Strictly.
“Our favourite – a past winner of Strictly – will be live on the programme.”
He continued: “Our tip for Darcey’s spot… I think this year either this person or I think maybe a gay man.
“Don’t you? Maybe just a gay man, no? Oh Bruno, Craig! Oh no, forget that!”
Of course, the father-of-five’s comments were meant in jest and he was simply making light of the situation.
Chris has been tipped to join the latest series of Strictly and previously appeared to confirm he had signed up to star in the show.
However, no formal announcement has yet been made, with the line-up for the year’s series still under wraps.
During an appearance of The One Show last December, host Alex Jones asked Chris if he would be swapping pants for the ballroom.
She asked: “If rumours are to be believed, Chris Evans, you probably won’t have time to do panto next year. Can you deny or confirm that you will be on Strictly?”
Chris replied: “Well, I have said yes, I have said yes.”
He then teased he only wants to take part in the series to get his wife, Natasha Shishmanian, tickets to the show.
“So you and my wife can go and have a great time and I will be terrified backstage.”
The TV star went on to spill he had a meeting with Strictly’s commissioning editor, Joe Wallace, who warned him “it’s not as easy as maybe you imagine it will be”.
“I think what’s funny about it, everyone puts it off and tries to keep it a secret,” he added.
“No, announce now, we’re doing it now.”
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Chris Evans CONFIRMS he’s ‘said yes’ to BBC show
Chris Evans’ Virgin Radio Breakfast Show airs weekdays at 6.30am.