Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse has expressed her confidence that the hit BBC show will continue to thrive, even after the departure of its long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Mabuse's Emotional Tribute to Iconic Duo
The 35-year-old dancer, who starred on the programme between 2013 and 2019 and won the glitterball trophy twice, became emotional while praising the presenters in a recent interview with The Times. "I love Strictly. I wouldn't be sitting here without that show," Mabuse stated. She emphasised the programme's public ownership, adding, "Strictly belongs to the people, and as long as the people still love it, it will go on for years."
Reflecting on Daly and Winkleman's contribution, she said: "Claudia and Tess are… I get emotional when I talk about it, because they are just so brilliant." Mabuse highlighted the unseen pressures of live television, noting that "nobody really sees the work Tess has to do — that show's live, she's making sure it's not running over."
New Role Offers Fresh Perspective
Mabuse's insight has been sharpened by her recent appointment as head judge on Dancing With The Stars Ireland, the Irish version of Strictly. This experience has given her a deeper appreciation for the hosts' roles, as she now deals with producers in her earpiece urging her to keep comments "snappy."
Despite the scale of the task in replacing the beloved duo, Mabuse believes the show's producers will make a wise choice. "They 'know the show better than any of us'," she remarked, expressing faith they will do a "good job" in selecting the next presenting team.
The BBC's 'Golden Ten' Shortlist Revealed
This vote of confidence comes as the BBC actively searches for successors. According to a Daily Mail report, corporation bosses have compiled a 'Golden Ten' shortlist of potential hosts.
Frontrunners are said to include:
- Bradley Walsh
- Alex Jones
- Alan Carr
Other notable names on the list are Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond, and Angela Scanlon.
A television insider told The Sun that replacing Claudia and Tess is a "mammoth task." The selected stars will reportedly undergo a series of partner-swap chemistry tests in a studio setting. Bosses are exploring all combinations—two women, two men, or a mixed partnership—in a bid to "mix things up" and find a fresh, dynamic pairing for the future.
The BBC has been contacted for comment regarding the selection process.
