CLEAR THE DANCEFLOOR: BBC SCRAP PLANS FOR NEW SERIES FOLLOWING PILOT

The BBC have reportedly scrapped plans for a new dance competition series, Clear The Dancefloor, after recording a pilot early last year.

The pilot for the "new, high-energy, primetime dance show" was presented by Alison Hammond and saw amateur dances competition against each other to impress a panel of celebrity judges and studio audience.

A source told The Sun: "This will be gutting for Alison, as getting an ongoing gig on the Beeb is seen as many a presenter’s ultimate goal. There were high hopes for Clear The Dance-floor as it seemed to tap into the same energy as Strictly, which she appeared on in 2014. But she won’t be short of work this year anyway."

Alison Hammond was last week announced as the new presenter of the award-winning ITV series, For The Love of Dogs, following the sad passing of much-loved presenter Paul O’Grady last spring.

With more abandoned and stray dogs in need of care than ever, the six-part series will tell the stories of some of the latest arrivals at Battersea, as Alison rolls up her sleeves and helps Battersea’s expert staff and volunteers to take care of the animals and get them ready for their potential new owners.

Alison said: “I am very aware that I can never replace the iconic Paul in this wonderful series, but if I can continue to shine a light on the brilliant work done at Battersea and help to tell the stories of these beautiful dogs, then it will be an absolute privilege to give it my all. I can’t wait to share the joy of their searches for new loving forever homes and hopefully make lots of furry friends of my own along the way!” 

For The Love Of Dogs to air later this year on ITV1.