Strictly Shock Twist: Father and Son Barney & Bradley Walsh Could Join the Show in Totally Different Roles

Both father and son reveal very different views on stepping onto the Strictly dance floor…

Barney Walsh has teased the possibility of one day stepping into the Strictly Come Dancing spotlight, as speculation continues to swirl around his father Bradley Walsh being lined up as a potential new host of the iconic BBC show.

Barney would be up for doing the show one day (Credit: YouTube)

Earlier this year, long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed they would be stepping away from Strictly — instantly triggering a frenzy of debate over who could replace them. Since then, a string of familiar TV faces have been tipped for the role, but one name has stubbornly remained near the top of the rumour list: Bradley Walsh.

Bradley has been in the running for months (Credit: ITV)

With father and son currently preparing for the return of Gladiators, the duo found themselves fielding questions not just about their latest project — but whether Strictly could ever be in their future, either as host or contestant.

Would Bradley or Barney Walsh ever do Strictly?

Speaking to Heat Magazine ahead of Gladiators’ return on January 17 at 5.45pm on BBC One, Bradley and Barney were asked directly whether either of them would consider taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Bradley’s answer was immediate — and firm.

“Um, no,” he admitted. “I love the show too much. I’m not a dancer. I can’t dance. It’s one of our favourite shows at home — my wife and I love it. I wouldn’t want to ruin that.”

While Bradley made it clear he’s happiest watching from the sofa, his son Barney was far less definitive.

“I think never say never,” Barney said, carefully leaving the door ajar. “But right now, my passion is in making shows and acting. That’s what I want to continue doing.”

The pair were also asked if they’d consider appearing on The Traitors, which they both described as “fun” — though neither expanded much further on the idea.

Hosting rumours refuse to die down

Of course, Bradley stepping onto the Strictly dance floor would be impossible if he ends up hosting the show — something many viewers are quietly hoping will happen.

As of January 17, the BBC has still not officially announced who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. However, the rumour mill has been in overdrive, with Bradley widely reported as a front-runner.

Several reports have suggested he could co-host alongside Alex Jones or Holly Willoughby, adding further fuel to the speculation.

Bradley finally addressed the rumours publicly in December during an appearance on Scott Mills’ BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, where he appeared alongside Denise Welch.

“Presenting Strictly would ruin the weekend!” he joked. “I like my Fridays and Saturdays — football and television. It’s a big old commitment.”

But his protestations didn’t convince everyone.

Denise quickly quipped: “Because he’s got that twinkle, I never believe Bradley Walsh, whatever he says. It could be a long-winded way of saying he’s doing it.”

Scott Mills then added even more intrigue, claiming: “He did tell one of the staff he’s doing it with Alex Jones.”