The search for new faces to front Strictly Come Dancing has taken a personal turn, with head judge Shirley Ballas revealing she plans to champion two specific stars for the coveted roles.
A Mother's Request
Ballas disclosed that the recommendation came directly from her mother, Audrey. Speaking to the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine, she explained the conversation. "My mother said: 'Can you not make it happen that Rylan is the main presenter and Judge Rinder is up in the Clauditorium?'" Ballas recounted. She promised her mother, "I'll put a good word in for you, mum. So that's who my mother would like."
The Clauditorium is the famous platform above the dance floor where Claudia Winkleman conducted her interviews with contestants and professional dancers.
Ruling Herself Out of the Running
While advocating for others, Shirley Ballas appeared to definitively rule herself out of contention for a presenting role. She emphasised her lifelong identity as a dancer, stating she is one "from the tip of my toes to the top of my head."
She also expressed that she would miss fellow judge Anton Du Beke if he were to leave the panel to take on a hosting job, a move he has openly expressed interest in. Despite the speculation, Ballas expressed confidence in the BBC's ultimate decision, adding: "Whoever they pick will be absolutely sensational."
Legacy Departures and Future Possibilities
The BBC is seeking replacements for the iconic duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the show at the end of the last series. Daly has been a presenter since the show's first series in 2004, while Winkleman joined as co-host of the results show in 2010, taking over a full-time role from Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2014.
The news comes as former Strictly professional Oti Mabuse, a two-time Glitterball trophy winner, opened up about a potential return to the show in a different capacity. Mabuse, who won consecutively with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey, told The Times "I love Strictly" but was coy about whether she would put herself forward.
She paid tribute to the outgoing hosts, saying, "Claudia and Tess are....I get emotional when I talk about it, because they are just so brilliant." Mabuse expressed faith in the producers, stating the show "belongs to the people" and will continue to "survive and thrive" under new leadership.
