Strictly Come Dancing is on the lookout for new presenters following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down in December after more than two decades with the show. The BBC is expected to announce the new faces after the Eurovision final on 16 May.
Why Did Daly and Winkleman Leave?
Speaking for the first time about their exit, Winkleman explained that she and Daly decided to leave because Strictly “deserves” something new, and they wanted to depart “on an absolute high.” Both had been involved with the show since 2004.
Potential Replacements
Several big names in British television have been linked to the role, with Emma Willis reportedly being offered one of the positions after impressing producers. Here is a rundown of the rumoured candidates.
Emma Willis
According to The Sun, Emma Willis has been offered a role after “absolutely nailing the chemistry tests.” The Voice UK host, 49, is reportedly being considered for the more traditional presenter role, which BBC bosses are keen to fill. She was initially competing against Zoe Ball, but Ball has since ruled herself out.
Mel Giedroyc
Mel Giedroyc, known for co-presenting The Great British Bake Off, has been linked to replacing Winkleman in the “Clauditorium” role. The 57-year-old is seen as a potential source of comic relief.
Zoe Ball
Zoe Ball, a former Strictly contestant and long-time host of It Takes Two, confirmed she did not get the job. Speaking on her podcast, she admitted she had “worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection.”
Rylan
Rylan, 37, who previously hosted It Takes Two, is a fan favourite. He has not commented on whether he will take the role but acknowledged that whoever replaces Winkleman will have “shoes as big as the fringe to fill.”
Alex Jones
The One Show host Alex Jones was rumoured to be in the running alongside Bradley Walsh, but reports suggest she is no longer being considered.
Bradley Walsh
Bradley Walsh, co-host of Gladiators, was also mentioned but reportedly failed to make the shortlist.
Janette Manrara
Former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, now co-hosting It Takes Two, has expressed interest, calling the job a “dream.”
Angela Scanlon
Irish presenter Angela Scanlon, a former contestant, was linked to the role but is no longer in the running, according to The Sun.
Fleur East
Fleur East, who competed on Strictly in 2022 and now co-hosts It Takes Two, is a bookies' favourite.
Anton Du Beke
Long-time pro Anton Du Beke, now a judge, said he “would” accept the presenting job if offered.
Siân Welby
Capital FM host Siân Welby, 39, has been tipped to attract a younger audience.
