Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has weighed in on the speculation over who should replace departing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The duo announced in October they would step down after more than two decades, with the live final on Saturday being their last show together before the Christmas special.
Jones, who has been a pro on the show since 2016, suggested that former contestant and It Takes Two host Zoe Ball would be a strong candidate. Ball, 55, competed in 2005 and presented the companion show from 2011 to 2021. She recently stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show, fueling rumours she could take the helm.
Other names in the running include Alison Hammond, Alan Carr, and Bradley Walsh. Hammond, a former contestant and This Morning host, is seen as a frontrunner but may face scheduling conflicts. Carr, fresh off a Celebrity Traitors win, has downplayed the speculation, while Walsh's experience on The Chase makes him a familiar face to the BBC.
Industry experts believe the BBC is looking for a duo to replace Daly and Winkleman, with in-studio chemistry tests reportedly underway. The new hosts will take over the 'very sparkly baton' for the next series.
