Angela Scanlon has addressed speculation that she could be one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, following reports that the BBC is searching for replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The Irish presenter, who was a contestant on the 2023 series, is among several names rumoured to be in the running.
Fans have noticed that Scanlon and former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball were the only rumoured candidates to comment on a recent Instagram post announcing this year's professional dancers. One viewer wrote on X: "I noticed that they are the only ones from the rumoured 10 to be commenting on the post." Another added: "Would be two good choices as hosts."
Scanlon currently presents The Apprentice: You're Fired and was recently announced as Scott Mills's replacement on this year's Eurovision coverage. Ball, meanwhile, has been considered a clear favourite and teased last month that she had something "glamorous" coming up, though she said she had not spoken to show bosses.
Other names reportedly in contention include Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Bradley Walsh, Alison Hammond and Alex Jones. The BBC told The Independent that plans for Strictly 2026 will be announced in due course.
The show is set for a shake-up this year, with professional dancers Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas all departing. Companion show It Takes Two is also expected to be refreshed, with reports suggesting it could become a vodcast, though the BBC denied that current hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East have been axed.
