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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Carla Feric

Lisa Snowdon ‘would have jumped at the chance’ to host Strictly Come Dancing

Lisa Snowdon would ‘like to do a show offering midlife makeovers for everyone’ (Prima/Dan Kennedy/PA) -

TV presenter Lisa Snowdon had “such fun” appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and “would have jumped at the chance” to host the hit show.

The 54-year-old was partnered with professional Brendan Cole when she appeared on the BBC dancing competition in 2008 and they finished in third place.

Snowdon has also returned to the programme for two festive specials.

In an interview with Prima magazine, Snowdon expressed her fondness of Strictly as she told of her career ambitions.

She said: “I would love another big TV presenting gig.

“Taking part in Strictly was such fun, and I would have jumped at the chance to be a new presenter, but that didn’t come up for me.”

TV presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted the flagship entertainment programme for more than a decade, but announced they were leaving the show late last year.

Snowdon was among the broadcasters rumoured to be in the running to take over the role after she previously said she would “love” to host Strictly.

It was recently announced that the new series will be led by Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.

Lisa Snowdon is the cover star for Prima’s September issue
Lisa Snowdon is the cover star for Prima’s September issue

The former fashion model, who has presented shows such as Britain’s Next Top Model, added: “I’d like to do a show offering midlife makeovers for everyone – it’s not just women that come to a crossroads in their life, men do, too.

“Something that speaks to my soul, that helps people not just dress in a different way but also live in a different way.”

Snowdon also reflected on how going through menopause impacted her career, saying it caused her to suffer from anxiety which “really impacted my work”.

The TV star continued: “My confidence was at rock bottom, and I was having panic attacks thinking, ‘I can’t do my job’. My mind was playing tricks on me.

“One time, I had a hosting job in front of 1,000 people, all in the industry, and I had panic attacks, thinking, ‘How do I get out of it?’.

“It messed with my head, I lost myself. There were jobs I turned down that I should’ve done, but I can’t dwell on it.”

Snowdon has previously discussed her struggles with perimenopause, when her body started transitioning into menopause, having written a book detailing the physical and emotional symptoms she has struggled with.

The TV and radio presenter also said she now feels in a “powerful place” in her life.

She told the magazine: “I’m 54 now and see this time in my life as a new chapter. It’s important to reframe ageing in a more positive way.”

Snowdon added: “It’s a powerful time for us to reconnect with ourselves and make big life changes. It’s the second spring.”

The September 2026 issue of Prima is now on sale.

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