Bruno Tonioli Advocates for All-Female Hosting Duo on Strictly Come Dancing
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has emphatically declared that only women should be considered as the new hosts of the beloved BBC show, following the departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The dancer, aged 70, who served on the judging panel from the inaugural series in 2004 until his exit in 2019, voiced his strong opinion amid swirling rumours that producers are eyeing male candidates to freshen up the programme.
Dismissing Male Host Speculation
Tonioli firmly dismissed the idea of introducing a male co-host, despite reports that names like Rylan Clark, Bradley Walsh, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe are in the frame. In an interview with the Daily Mail's Richard Eden, he stated, 'I think it will be better for them to find two women to replace Tess and Claudia because what I liked is that you had these two women holding the show. It was empowering to watch and that's what Strictly should be.' He added that the dynamic between Daly and Winkleman made the show 'quite special', emphasising the importance of maintaining a female-led presentation team.
Producers' Plans and Screen Tests
Sources have revealed that producers behind Strictly Come Dancing are planning to screen test their preferred male candidates in the coming weeks, with the intention of teaming the chosen man up with a female host. According to a source speaking to The Sun, 'The show's executive producers feel Bradley has a similar style to Bruce — he can tell jokes, sing and has lots of charisma.' Rylan Clark is noted for his massive fanbase and previous hosting role on the Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, while Johannes Radebe offers expertise from his professional dancing background.
Female Contenders in the Running
Daly and Winkleman stepped back from the show after the most recent series concluded in December last year, sparking ongoing speculation about their replacements. It has been reported that Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are also strongly being considered by bosses for one of the hosting spots. Emma Willis, aged 50, recently took over from Zoe Ball, aged 55, on BBC Radio 2 after Ball stepped down from the afternoon slot after just seven months. Ball has expressed that she would 'love' to take on the hosting job, having previously hosted It Takes Two until 2021.
Betting Odds and Other Potential Hosts
Current betting odds suggest Emma Willis is the favourite at 4-5, with Zoe Ball close behind at 1-4. Coral's John Hill commented, 'Emma Willis is proving very popular in our next Strictly Come Dancing host betting. Our latest odds suggest Willis and Zoe Ball lead the race to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.' A number of other names are also in the mix, including:
- Rylan Clark (3-1)
- Fleur East (4-1)
- Janette Manrara (4-1)
- Hanna Waddingham (5-1)
- Roman Kemp (5-1)
- Holly Willoughby (6-1)
- Alesha Dixon (8-1)
- Scott Mills (8-1)
- Stacey Dooley (8-1)
The BBC has been contacted for comment regarding these developments, as the search for new hosts continues to generate significant public interest and debate within the entertainment industry.
