In a surprising revelation that's set tongues wagging across the dance world, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Janette Manrara has thrown her considerable support behind Claudia Winkleman as the ideal candidate to step into Tess Daly's legendary hosting shoes.
The It Takes Two presenter, who knows the Strictly universe inside out after years as both a dancer and presenter, didn't hesitate when asked about potential replacements for the departing Daly. "Claudia would be absolutely incredible," Manrara enthused, highlighting Winkleman's deep understanding of the show's unique magic.
A Seamless Transition
Manrara emphasised that Winkleman's existing chemistry with co-host Tess Daly and her natural rapport with both celebrities and professional dancers makes her the perfect choice. "She knows the show inside out, she loves the show, and the viewers absolutely adore her," Manrara explained, pointing to Winkleman's years of experience on the programme.
The dancing expert, who now fronts Strictly's sister show It Takes Two, believes the transition would feel completely natural to the millions of devoted viewers who tune in each weekend during the autumn months.
Maintaining the Strictly Magic
With Strictly Come Dancing being one of the BBC's crown jewels, the selection of a new host carries enormous weight. Manrara stressed the importance of choosing someone who understands the delicate balance between entertainment, emotion, and competition that makes the show so special.
"It's not just about introducing dances," Manrara noted. "It's about guiding the audience through the emotional journey of the contestants and creating those magical television moments that Strictly does so well."
While the BBC has remained tight-lipped about potential replacements, industry insiders suggest that Manrara's public endorsement could carry significant weight given her respected position within the Strictly family.