Sian Welby Reveals Emotional Aftermath of Strictly Presenter Audition

Sian Welby has shared her experience auditioning for the role of Strictly presenter, revealing she was left in tears after the demanding try-out. The This Morning and Capital Radio host, 40, was among a number of well-known figures considered for the position following the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Welby described the secret audition, which lasted approximately 2.5 hours, as "gruelling" and a process that left her "drained and in shock." She told OK! Magazine that she had "never wanted to impress so much" during the audition. "I left the audition, got in the car and burst out crying," Welby stated. "It was the adrenaline. I'd never concentrated so hard or wanted to impress so much. But it wasn't my time."

She explained the intense focus required, admitting, "I really did want to show them I could do the job," but that the experience was tough, leaving her uncertain about her performance. "And afterwards, I almost had no memory of it. It was like being in shock."

While Welby did not secure the hosting role, which has since seen Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe making their live show debut as hosts, she is continuing her work. She is currently in her sixth year presenting Capital Breakfast and also guest hosts on ITV's This Morning.

Welby also recently discussed the pressures of being a primary earner in her family. She credited her fiancé, Jake Beckett, for his significant support, which enabled her to return to work just three months after the birth of their daughter, Ruby. "I think you can't do any of this without a supportive partner, or if you don't have a partner, you need a family member that helps you because it really isn't a one person job raising a baby," she said.

Welby highlighted the necessity of teamwork in raising a child, particularly with demanding careers. "My other half is a producer so he understands the industry and he gets that work is ad hoc - it can go as quick as it came," she noted. "He's very supportive and we do tag team it together... I would say it's pretty equal in what we both do."

She also reflected on the economic realities facing many couples, stating, "There's not many couples I know where they're not both working and that sometimes out of pure necessity, that there's no way they could live without two incomes." Welby emphasized the importance of open communication and flexibility in relationships regarding finances, stating, "My other half doesn't have any sort of problem with that or anything. He's got no chip on his shoulder about who earns what. We just crack on with it and I think you do have to look at it like that."