EntertainmentStrictly Come DancingKevin Cliftonalex jones

Stacey Dooley Denies Reports She’s Had Talks With ‘The One Show’ Bosses To Cover Alex Jones’ Maternity Leave

The presenter is pregnant with her second child.
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By 

Head of Entertainment, HuffPost UK

It’s only been a matter of days since Stacey Dooley lifted the glitterball trophy after being crowned this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ champ, but talk has already turned to what she’ll do next.

Last week ‘The One Show’ host Alex Jones announced she’s pregnant with her second child, and Stacey was immediately rumoured to be covering for the presenter when she goes on maternity leave next year.

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Stacey Dooley
Joe Giddens - PA Images via Getty Images

However, Stacey has insisted she hasn’t been in talks with BBC bosses about filling in for her friend after she gives birth.

“I haven’t had that conversation,” Stacey told The Sun. “Alex is a good pal I’m delighted for her with her news.”

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Alex Jones
Ricky Vigil via Getty Images

Stacey’s documentary series currently airs on BBC Three, but she is now widely tipped to become a regular face on BBC One following her ‘Strictly’ win.

BBC Three controller, Damian Kavanagh, told The Guardian that the BBC has been developing her for “some time” and is perplexed that people ask where she has come from.

“We have worked with a lot of people who have come through a non-traditional route – [rapper] Professor Green is another – so it’s quite odd when people ask that, because she has made nearly 60 films,” he said.

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BBC

Stacey and her dance partner Kevin Clifton are the 16th couple to win ‘Strictly’ after beating Faye Tozer, Ashley Roberts and Joe Sugg in Saturday’s final.

It was a huge ratings success for the BBC, attracting a peak of 12.7 million viewers.

After being crowned 2018 ‘Strictly’ champs on Saturday night, Stacey paid tribute to Kevin, who joined the show in 2013, and has been in the final four times previously without a win.

She said: “It’s no coincidence that he’s been in the final as many times as he has. You’re patient, you’re talented and your choreography is second to none.

“I’ve had the most incredible time and you know what? It’s daunting doing something that you haven’t done before. You feel silly, you feel like a bit of an idiot, but Kevin walks you through.

“And you deserve this, you so deserve this.”

'Strictly Come Dancing': All The Winners
Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole(01 of16)
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Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first star to ever triumph in the inaugural series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', back in 2004, when there were just seven competitors to beat.Having obviously been a hit with 'Strictly' viewers, she was later chosen to cover for regular presenter Tess Daly, when she went on maternity leave. (credit:BBC)
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennet(02 of16)
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Clearly sensing they were onto a winner, the BBC decided to kick-start the second series of 'Strictly' just three months after Natasha Kaplinsky's victory, securing its spot in the Saturday night schedule in the latter half of the year.Jill Halfpenny was crowned winner second time around, along with her partner, Darren Bennet. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova(03 of16)
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Darren became the first male celebrity to triumph in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' final in 2005, beating Colin Jackson and eventual 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball in the process. (credit:Michael Boyd/PA Archive)
Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy(04 of16)
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Cricket player Mark Ramprakash took home the glitter-ball trophy a year later.Here he is performing with his professional partner, Karen Hardy, at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards a year after his victory. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler(05 of16)
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'Strictly' helped breathe new life into Alesha's career, when she and partner Matthew Cutler were crowned winners.Her smash hit solo single 'The Boy Does Nothing' followed soon after, not to mention a spot on the 'Strictly' judging panel... until Simon Cowell decided to snare her for 'BGT', that is. (credit:BBC)
Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup(06 of16)
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'Holby City' actor Tom Chambers' public profile skyrocketed, when he and his professional partner, Camilla Dallerup, were crowned winners of the sixth series.They beat TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and 'Negotiate With Love' singer Rachel Stevens in the live final, back in 2008. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan(07 of16)
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Chris Hollins gave professional dancer Ola Jordan her first, and so far only, win back in 2010. (credit:BBC)
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev(08 of16)
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Kara and Artem had a double victory in 2010.Shortly after taking home the glitter-ball trophy, they announced that they were dating. (credit:Rowan Miles/PA Archive)
Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani(09 of16)
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Can we please just take a moment to appreciate this photo? (credit:David Jones/PA Archive)
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace(10 of16)
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The tenth series was won by Olympian Louis Smith and his professional partner, Flavia Cacace. (credit:Georgie Gillard/Associated Newspapers/REX)
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec(11 of16)
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In the first ever all-female 'Strictly' final, Abbey beat Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede to the glitter-ball trophy.Fourth place was also a female contestant, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor leaving the competition at the semi-final stage. (credit:Rui Vieira/PA Archive)
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev(12 of16)
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Caroline Flack, who took part in the competition less than a year after leaving 'X Factor' spin-off show, 'Xtra Factor'. Apparently sensing her popularity was on the rise, Simon Cowell quickly signed her up to host the main show, alongside Olly Murs. (credit:BBC)
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani(13 of16)
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When the 2015 contestants were first announced, no one would have tipped Jay for victory, particularly after he continuously played down his dancing abilities.

Cut to a couple of months later, though, and that Glitter-ball trophy was his. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton(14 of16)
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TV presenter Ore Oduba beat off stiff competition from 'Hollyoaks' star Danny Mac who was hot favourite to lift the glitterball trophy in 2016. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones(15 of16)
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'Holby City' actor Joe was the dark horse of the competition, rising through the ranks as the weeks went on to triumph over Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the 2017 final. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton(16 of16)
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Stacey and Kevin were the surprise winners of the 2018 series, triumphing over other finalists Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Joe Sugg. The pair later went on to begin a relationship. (credit:Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images)
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