The search for new faces to lead Strictly Come Dancing appears to be nearing its conclusion, with former contestant and seasoned presenter Christine Lampard now the reported frontrunner for the coveted hosting role.
From Contestant to Potential Host
The rumour mill has been in overdrive since the shock departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in October 2025. A slew of famous names, including Holly Willoughby and Bradley Walsh, have been linked to the position. However, industry insiders now suggest that Christine Lampard, the 46-year-old television presenter and wife of former footballer Frank Lampard, is the leading candidate.
Lampard's potential availability has been increased by significant schedule changes at ITV. The weekday morning show Lorraine, which she regularly covered, has been cut to a 30-minute format. Furthermore, host Lorraine Kelly is expected to front the programme full-time for its reduced run, leaving fewer opportunities for stand-in presenters like Lampard.
A Familiar Face in the Ballroom
Strictly fans will remember that Christine Lampard is no stranger to the glitterball, having competed in the 2008 series where she was partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler. This history with the show is seen as a major advantage.
A source told the Daily Mail: "She has a huge fanbase from her years fronting breakfast TV and is a pro at handling live TV, which is no mean feat. Producers love the idea of casting a presenter who has previously taken part in the show as a contestant, as it has worked really well in the past on spin-off show It Takes Two."
The End of an Era and a New Beginning
The exit of Daly and Winkleman marked a seismic shift for the BBC flagship. Tess Daly had hosted since the show's 2004 launch, with Claudia Winkleman joining as co-host in 2010. In a joint statement last October, they said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time."
While the series remains a ratings juggernaut, it has been clouded by off-screen controversies in recent years, including allegations of bullying behind the scenes. The search for new hosts is seen as a chance for renewal.
Other names speculated for the role include:
- The One Show's Alex Jones
- TV judge Rob Rinder
- Broadcaster Rylan Clark
- This Morning's Alison Hammond
Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to return to BBC One in August 2026, with official announcements on the new presenting line-up expected in the preceding weeks.
