The search for new faces to front one of the BBC's most beloved shows has taken a poignant turn, as a former star of the programme has spoken out. Oti Mabuse, a two-time Glitterball champion, has addressed the swirling speculation that she could be in line to replace the departed presenting duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing.
An Emotional Tribute to the Departing Icons
Mabuse, who left her role as a professional dancer on the show in 2021, became visibly moved when discussing the legacy of Daly and Winkleman. The pair announced their shock departure partway through the last series, leaving two of the most coveted roles on British television up for grabs.
"I wouldn't be sitting here without that show," Mabuse told The Times. "Claudia and Tess are....I get emotional when I talk about it, because they are just so brilliant." She went on to praise the unseen work of Tess Daly in particular, highlighting the pressure of steering a live broadcast. "Nobody really sees the work that Tess has to do - that show's live, she's making sure it's not running over," Mabuse added.
Who Will Take the Helm?
While flattered by the rumours, the 35-year-old effectively ruled herself out of the running for the 2026 series. Her commitment to the Irish version of the format, Dancing with the Stars, where she is set to join the judging panel, means she cannot take on the BBC presenting role. "I can't (do it!) I'm here. I love Dancing with the Stars," she stated.
This leaves the field open for a host of other celebrities linked to the vacancies. According to bookmakers, strong contenders include Fleur East, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Hannah Waddingham. Mabuse expressed confidence in the show's producers, stating, "I think anyone who gets asked to do that job is so lucky and will do it splendidly. The producers will do a good job (choosing) because they know that show better than any of us."
Strictly's Enduring Legacy
Reflecting on the seismic change, Mabuse emphasised the show's resilience, rooted in its connection with the public. Despite the surprise exits, she believes "Strictly belongs to the people" and will continue to "survive and thrive." Her own legacy on the show is formidable; she is one of only two professionals to win the competition twice, and the only one to achieve back-to-back victories with partners Kelvin Fletcher (2019) and Bill Bailey (2020).
Since leaving the Strictly ballroom, Mabuse's career has diversified significantly. She has become a mother to a two-year-old daughter and expanded her television portfolio with appearances on The Masked Dancer, Dancing on Ice, and even I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
Meanwhile, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been reunited just weeks after their emotional on-screen farewell. The close friends came together for the launch of Daly's new activewear collection with NAIA Beach. Claudia shared a photo on Instagram of the pair smiling, captioning it: "Brilliant @tessdaly at the launch of her amazing @naia_beach activewear collection. It's beautiful."
