Vernon Kay Advocates for BBC Colleagues to Take Over Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Duties
In a revealing interview, television presenter Vernon Kay has put forward two prominent BBC co-stars as his top choices to replace his wife, Tess Daly, and Claudia Winkleman on the beloved dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. The hosts shocked fans with a mid-season announcement in October last year, confirming their departure after the Strictly Christmas Day special in 2025.
Speculation Swirls Around Successor Candidates
Since the announcement, the entertainment industry has been abuzz with speculation regarding potential successors. A wide array of names has been floated, including Holly Willoughby, Zoe Ball, Roman Kemp, Alan Carr, Bradley Walsh, and Emma Willis. However, Vernon Kay has now weighed in with his personal recommendations, offering a clear vision for the future of the show's presenting team.
Vernon Kay told Metro Scotland: "Alex Jones should be on the floor. She is probably the funniest presenter I've worked with. With the formalities of The One Show, I don't think she gives the audience the opportunity to see her funny and irreverent side. She'd be perfect because she is one of the best in a live TV scenario. Absolutely brilliant."
Alex Jones: A Veteran Live Presenter
Alex Jones, a seasoned live broadcast veteran with over 15 years on BBC's The One Show, has worked alongside Vernon Kay and other notable presenters such as Jason Manford, Matt Baker, and Ronan Keating. Vernon emphasised that any alternative choice would need to be "literally, made of liquid gold" to surpass her suitability for the role.
Rylan Clark: An Insider with Deep Show Knowledge
For the co-host position "upstairs," Vernon suggested Rylan Clark, citing his extensive familiarity with the Strictly franchise. Rylan, a BBC Radio 2 star known for shows like Dating Naked UK and Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour, previously hosted the sister programme Strictly: It Takes Two until his departure in 2023. Vernon remarked, "Then upstairs, someone who knows the show better than most...Rylan."
Reflecting on Tess and Claudia's Legacy
The departure marks the end of an era, with Tess Daly concluding an astonishing 21-year journey on Strictly Come Dancing. Following their announcement, both hosts shared heartfelt messages on Instagram, expressing their love for the show and their decision to leave together. Tess wrote, "After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It's hard to put into words what this show has meant to me." She described the programme as "more than just a television programme" and a "huge part of my life."
Claudia Winkleman echoed these sentiments, noting they felt it was the "right time" to step down. Their final appearance is set for the Christmas Day special in 2025, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the new hosting dynamic.
What's Next for Vernon Kay?
Audiences can next catch Vernon Kay on his BBC Two programme, Do You Know Your Place?, airing tonight from 6.30pm to 7pm. As the search for new Strictly hosts continues, Vernon's endorsements add significant weight to the ongoing discussions, highlighting Alex Jones and Rylan Clark as strong contenders in the race to fill the iconic presenting roles.
