A former Strictly Come Dancing contestant is reportedly among the four frontrunners to host the 2026 series of the BBC show, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The search for their replacements has been ongoing since they left at the end of the latest series, with numerous names considered as contenders.
Angela Scanlon Impresses in Auditions
After a week of filmed auditions, Irish presenter Angela Scanlon is said to have impressed BBC bosses, becoming a “surprise hit.” According to sources, the other TV stars in the running are Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, and Zoe Ball, who is currently the strong favourite. “Angela did really well,” a source told MailOnline. “The BBC said that this had to be all about the chemistry between the presenters and their ability to react to live comments and situations – and she shone.”
Scanlon's Background
Scanlon, a former One Show host and BBC radio DJ, was a contestant on the 2023 series of Strictly, finishing in sixth place with dance partner Carlos Gu. She currently presents the Apprentice aftershow You’re Fired. Her experience on the show and her presenting skills have made her a strong candidate.
Other Contenders and Ruled-Out Names
The latest report appears to officially rule out other names that had been bandied about, including Bradley Walsh and Alison Hammond. Meanwhile, Zoe Ball has been considered a clear favourite and, earlier this month, she teased she had something “glamorous” coming up, stating: “Obviously at the moment I can’t say anything about it.” Ball said in January that she would “love” to host the show, but added that she had not spoken to the show’s bosses. “I will still be watching, whoever hosts,” she said, adding that Alan Carr, Amanda Holden, Vernon Kay, and Rylan Clark could be strong replacements.
BBC's Response and Show Changes
The BBC told The Independent that plans for Strictly 2026 will be announced in due course, with preparations for the series underway. Strictly will look a little different this year, following a shake-up of the professionals cast. Gorka Marquez announced this week he had left the show after 10 years, following the exits of Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
It has also been claimed that companion show It Takes Two will be refreshed to reflect changing audiences, much in the same way as happened with The Traitors: Uncloaked and The Apprentice: You’re Fired. According to reports, the series will become a vodcast, meaning the hosts will film episodes for viewers and also record them for podcast listeners. It has also been claimed that Janette Manrara and Fleur East will no longer present the show, but the BBC told The Independent last month: “It is factually incorrect to claim that either has been axed.”
