With Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly set to step down from Strictly Come Dancing after more than two decades, speculation is mounting over who will take over as the show's new hosts. The pair will present their final live final on Saturday night, followed by a Christmas Day special, before passing on the 'very sparkly baton'. Winkleman's departure comes amid her rising profile after the success of The Traitors, with reports she is in advanced talks for her own chatshow.
Among the names floated as potential replacements are Holly Willoughby, Fleur East, and Emma Willis. However, betting was suspended earlier this week after Zoe Ball announced she was stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 show, leading industry experts to consider her a strong contender. Ball, who competed on Strictly in 2005 and hosted companion show It Takes Two from 2011 to 2021, is described by Heat magazine's Boyd Hilton as a 'good bet'. He suggests Rylan Clark could join her as co-host.
Alan Carr has also emerged as an unexpected frontrunner after his victory on Celebrity Traitors. Despite addressing speculation, Carr told the Daily Mail he has not been approached. However, his 2027 tour announcement may complicate matters, as a Strictly insider noted that Saturdays are 'sacrosanct' to the show. Alison Hammond, who competed in 2014, is considered a top candidate, though her busy schedule with This Morning, Bake Off, and other commitments may pose challenges.
Other names in the mix include Bradley Walsh, a veteran presenter of The Chase, which films next door to Strictly. The BBC is reportedly looking for a duo and is conducting in-studio chemistry tests. With the final approaching, producers remain undecided on replacements, leaving the door open for further surprises.
