Strictly Come Dancing Producers Consider Mel Giedroyc for Key Hosting Role
BBC executives are reportedly evaluating former Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc as a potential successor to Claudia Winkleman on the popular dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing. The 57-year-old comedian and television personality has emerged as a leading candidate following Winkleman's departure after an impressive eleven-year tenure hosting the show.
The Search for a Gentle Touch in the Clauditorium
Television insiders have revealed that programme bosses are specifically seeking someone with a delicate approach who can effectively alleviate tension during the crucial "Clauditorium" segment. This portion of the show features contestants receiving their scores from judges and decompressing after their performances.
A source close to production told The Sun: "The Clauditorium requires a presenter with a gentle touch who can utilise humour to relieve the inevitable tension. Mel is viewed as an excellent replacement for Claudia because both women are intelligent, humorous, and have established reputations within the television industry for being professional and easy to collaborate with."
The insider further highlighted that both Winkleman and Giedroyc share important qualities including high professionalism, strong public appeal, and the ideal balance of confidence with self-deprecating humour.
Giedroyc's Established Connection to Strictly Come Dancing
Mel Giedroyc brings significant relevant experience to the potential role, having previously hosted the Strictly Live tour and competed in the 2021 Christmas special of the dancing programme. This background makes her a familiar figure to the show's dedicated fanbase.
The television presenter remains best known for co-hosting The Great British Bake Off alongside her longtime friend Sue Perkins during the programme's BBC tenure from 2010 to 2016. Interestingly, Claudia Winkleman has previously credited Giedroyc and Perkins with pioneering the way for all-female presenting duos on British television.
Broader Changes to Strictly Come Dancing Presenting Team
The search for Winkleman's replacement occurs alongside other potential changes to the presenting lineup. Recent reports indicate that Zoe Ball and Emma Willis are both contenders to potentially succeed Tess Daly in her hosting role, while producers specifically desire a female comedian to fill the position vacated by Winkleman.
A BBC spokesperson stated: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course." The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing for additional comment regarding these casting developments.
Recent Professional Setback for Giedroyc
This potential career opportunity follows a recent professional disappointment for Giedroyc. Her ITV quiz programme Pictionary, based on the classic board game and adapted from its American television version, was reportedly cancelled after just one series due to disappointing viewing figures.
An ITV representative confirmed: "There are no plans at this stage to make any more Pictionary. Many quiz shows have drawn inspiration from beloved board games with the expectation that Pictionary would become an immediate success. Unfortunately, the ratings proved disappointing, and celebrity-led panels require budgetary commitments that in this instance were not considered justified."
The Daily Mail reached out to ITV representatives for comment regarding the programme's cancellation at the time of the announcement.
