Bleakley 'won't be new Strictly host'

[dutchman]

Rumours that Christine Bleakley could replace Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing have today been quashed.

On Sunday, it was reported that Bleakley was to be snapped up by the BBC ballroom show as part of a major revamp. Sources said that the hosting role would form part of a special deal designed to prevent the One Show star from defecting to ITV.

However, responding to the claims, a spokeswoman for the 31-year-old said: "She has not been approached for Strictly, but really enjoys working at the BBC."

According to The Mirror, Bleakley will instead front her own prime-time programme which could launch within months.

An insider explained: "For Christine, it is all about doing something new. The BBC could do with another big hit and Christine wants to be part of the next big show.

"Taking over from Tess is not an option or something she wants to do. Tess is contracted to do [Strictly] this year and the BBC are not going to wait until 2011 to give Christine another show."