The search for new faces to lead Strictly Come Dancing is officially on, following the departure of beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The duo presented their final show during the 2024 Christmas special, leaving a glittering void on the BBC's prime-time schedule set to be filled by 2026.
The Frontrunners and Favourites
Bookmakers and industry insiders have been busy speculating, with several high-profile names emerging as potential successors. Zoe Ball is currently considered a strong frontrunner. The radio and TV icon, who finished third on the show in 2005 and later hosted spin-off It Takes Two for a decade, has insider support. Her father, Johnny Ball, recently confirmed she is "in the mix," noting that while nothing is decided until after Easter, "she would love the job."
Bradley Walsh is another early favourite, thanks to his popular turns on The Chase and Gladiators. However, the presenter has expressed reservations about the significant time commitment, calling it a "big old commitment" while acknowledging it would be a "great gig." Reports from The Sun suggest he is being courted for a "perfect partnership" with Alex Jones. The warm and skilled The One Show host is respected for her interviewing technique and is seen as a contender who could manage judges and contestants alike.
Contenders from Within the Strictly Family
The show's extensive alumni network provides a rich pool of talent. Alison Hammond, who competed in 2014, has reportedly already been screen-tested. Her journey from Big Brother to This Morning makes hosting Strictly a potential natural progression.
Similarly, Fleur East and Janette Manrara have both transitioned from the dance floor to presenting the It Takes Two companion show. Betting agents William Hill rate Fleur's odds at 2/1 and Janette's at 4/1 to step up to the main stage. Another former contestant, Rob Rinder, who danced in 2016, is also rumoured to be in consideration, potentially as a co-host with Rylan Clark following their successful travel series partnership. Rylan, however, has seemingly dismissed the idea, calling Tess and Claudia "irreplaceable."
Big Names Who Have Ruled Themselves Out
Not every rumoured star is eager to step into the spotlight. Alan Carr, despite his renewed popularity after winning Celebrity Traitors, has reportedly found the idea of hosting "too nerve-racking." His successful co-hosting partner Amanda Holden has also publicly addressed the speculation, telling Heart FM listeners that while flattered, "we both are not doing it."
Another experienced name in the frame is Holly Willoughby. With Dancing on Ice now off-air, her schedule has opened up. The Daily Mail even cited a former BBC boss claiming a channel controller is confident Holly will take over, though this remains unconfirmed.
The BBC has time on its side, with the new hosting team not due to start until 2026. This allows for extensive auditions and negotiations to find the perfect pairing to guide the nation's favourite dance competition into its next glittering era.
