Story Highlight
– Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure.
– Potential replacements include Zoe Ball and Holly Willoughby.
– Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton are strong candidates.
– Roman Kemp and Janette Manrara also in contention.
– Claudia and Tess reflect on their memorable journey together.
Full Story
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing, sparking immediate speculation regarding their successors. The pair, who have co-hosted the popular BBC show since 2014, shared the news in a heartfelt video on social media, revealing they would bid farewell at the conclusion of the current series.
In the wake of their announcement, various names have emerged as potential replacements, with Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Stacey Dooley, and Kevin Clifton listed among the frontrunners. The new hosting team will be introduced at the start of the next series in 2026. Other candidates in the mix include Roman Kemp, former professional dancer Janette Manrara, and ex-contestant Alex Scott.
Zoe Ball, a notable figure in British television and radio, has emerged as a strong contender. Ball, 54, has a longstanding connection to Strictly, having previously presented its spin-off, It Takes Two. Her extensive career includes historic achievements like being the first female host of BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show and her recent role leading BBC Radio 2’s breakfast segment. Currently, she is viewed as a leading candidate, with bookies listing her at 2-1 odds for taking over the role.
Holly Willoughby, also at 2-1, is another prominent name in the running. With experience hosting shows such as Dancing On Ice and This Morning, she possesses a wealth of experience in presenting competition-style formats. Willoughby’s departure from This Morning in 2023 created an opportunity for her to potentially transition into the Strictly hosting role.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, former champions of the dance competition who forged a partnership on the show, are likewise viewed favorably for the hosting position. The couple, who have remained involved with the show since their win in 2018, are noted for their strong rapport and have experience performing together in the UK tour of the thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story. Betting experts suggest that their combined expertise could make them ideal candidates.
Roman Kemp, a television and radio personality, is also mentioned, with odds of 3-1. The 32-year-old son of Martin Kemp has developed a successful career since beginning in radio production, later popularizing himself as a presenter at Capital FM. His foray into television, including a stint on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, has bolstered his profile, raising speculation about a potential pivot to hosting.
Janette Manrara is another strong candidate. The 41-year-old former professional dancer is well-versed in the intricacies of the show, having garnered acclaim during her eight series as a competitor. Since leaving the main trading floor, she has successfully transitioned into presenting roles, notably co-hosting It Takes Two.
Fleur East, who gained fame from The X Factor and has since shifted into a broadcasting career, is also in contention, with odds at 4-1. Her recent appearance in Strictly and time spent hosting popular shows like Hits Radio boost her qualifications. Rylan Clark, listed at 5-1, has equally maintained a diverse presence on both television and radio, including previous hosting of It Takes Two.
Alex Scott rounds out the list of potential hosts at 4-1. The former professional footballer impressed audiences during her time on the show and has since expanded her media career significantly, proving herself as a versatile presenter.
As speculation proliferates around prospective hosts, industry insiders highlight the significance of the transition period for Strictly Come Dancing. Ollie Ring, a spokesperson for Casino Beats, remarked on the momentous change linked to Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s exit, a duo celebrated for their chemistry and tenure on the show.
The hosts acknowledged their upcoming departure in an emotional farewell, reflecting on their time together. In their announcement, Tess Daly stated, “Strictly has been more than just a television program, it’s felt like having a third child.” Claudia Winkleman expressed similar sentiments, celebrating the show’s community spirit and the joy it has brought to so many viewers.
As Strictly approaches the end of an era, the anticipation for its next chapter grows, with fans eager to see who will step into the hosts’ shoes.
