In a surprising revelation, David Tennant, the acclaimed star of Doctor Who and Broadchurch, disclosed that he was once in the running to host an episode of the popular dance competition Strictly Come Dancing back in 2009. The 53-year-old actor, who recently hosted the BAFTAs for the second time this year, shared the details during an appearance on the podcast Where There’s a Will There’s a Wake.
According to Tennant, producers from The One Show had recommended him for a one-off hosting gig after the show's regular host, Sir Bruce Forsyth, fell ill with the flu. In that particular season, which was the seventh, Forsyth was unable to present the week nine episode in November, leading to the legendary Ronnie Corbett stepping in as a temporary replacement alongside Tess Daly.
Reflecting on the unexpected opportunity, Tennant recounted receiving a phone call from his agent on a Saturday, an unusual occurrence that left him curious about the request. "What are you doing tonight?" his agent had asked, prompting Tennant to consider the possibility of stepping into the role. He later learned that Forsyth had reportedly suffered a fall, which contributed to his absence that evening.
"I sort of ran around for a couple of hours going, [asking myself] if I wanted to present Strictly. By the time we’d figured out I could go to the TV centre, I phoned back, and they went, 'Don’t worry, Ronnie Corbett is doing it,'" Tennant explained. His hesitance was palpable, as he admitted, "I don’t know if I’d have been any good. I wouldn’t have known where to start. I don’t watch Strictly."
The November 2009 episode, which featured Corbett, was notable for more than just the change in hosts. Contestant Laila Rouass suffered an injury backstage, limiting her performance to just half of her routine. Another competitor, Jade Johnson, was also injured and granted a bye to the next round due to her inability to participate in the show.
Tennant's near-miss with Strictly Come Dancing is just one of many intriguing stories from his career. In a more whimsical turn, he recently expressed his willingness to donate his skull to theatre groups for use as a prop in productions that explore themes of mortality. Speaking to the podcast Off Menu, he emphasized the powerful connection that such a prop could create with audiences, stating, "That moment in the play is about connecting with mortality, so there’s no acting involved – you’re looking into the eyes of a human who once walked the Earth. There’s something very powerful about that."
However, he acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding such a donation, noting, "To be honest, I don’t think you can do it anymore – there’s lots of hoops to jump through." This lighthearted yet poignant reflection on life and death showcases Tennant's unique perspective as an actor and his willingness to engage with the deeper themes of his craft.
While Tennant may have missed his chance to host Strictly, he remains a beloved figure in British television, known for his engaging performances and charismatic presence. His contributions to the entertainment industry continue to resonate with audiences, as seen in his recent work and ongoing popularity.
As Strictly Come Dancing prepares to return later this year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, fans are left to wonder what might have been had Tennant taken the stage that fateful night in 2009. For now, viewers can look forward to the excitement and drama that the upcoming season promises to bring.
