To host Strictly Come Dancing is no easy gig, and departed hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman know that better than anyone.
The dazzling duo hosted the show alongside one another for over 10 years, though Daly even longer, having been part of the show since its inception along Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Their exits came as a surprise to many across the entertainment industry, and for fans who have grown to love the presenters being a mainstay on their television screens every Saturday night over the autumn.
But since they left the show last year, the question has been simple: Who is going to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing?
It’s a question no one quite has the answer for as of yet, but that hasn’t stopped rumours from spreading, fuelling speculation around some of the nation’s top presenters, many of whom have shared hints they could be stepping into the ballroom next.
From every name rumoured so far to RT‘s prediction on whether they would be a good fit, scroll on to learn more about who might take on the biggest job in showbiz…
Who could replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing?
Zoe Ball
Zoe Ball has a long affinity with the Strictly Come Dancing family, having once been a contestant in 2005 before taking over from Claudia Winkleman as the host of It Takes Two from 2011 before her exit in 2021.
She was the first female host of Radio 1 and Radio 2’s breakfast shows for the BBC, the latter of which she stepped down from in 2024. She then returned to the airwaves for the Radio 2 Saturday lunchtime programme, but stepped down in December 2025.
What Zoe Ball has said: Zoe Ball has remained coy when asked about the potential of her returning to Strictly Come Dancing, but did admit to The Sunday Times: “Obviously, there’s a part of me that would love to do it.”
During a segment on Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, Ball teased she had something major coming up but couldn’t “say anything about it”. Whiley noted at the time that Ball had dyed her hair, to which Ball said she had something she needed “to be glamorous for”…
RT’s verdict: She took over from Claudia once, could she do it again? Zoe Ball would perhaps have the smoothest transition as host, with plenty of fans already familiar with her style of presenting. And her reputation precedes herself, having hosted the likes of The One Show, Children in Need and The Voice: Louder on Two to name just a few. Katelyn Mensah – Senior Entertainment Writer, Radio Times
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond has been a star on our TV screens for over two decades, working her way up from a Big Brother contestant and roaming reporter on This Morning to a main presenter on the ITV daytime show and the face of a number of other programmes, including The Great British Bake Off and Alison Hammond: For the Love of Dogs.
She is no stranger to the mechanics of Strictly Come Dancing, having appeared as a contestant in 2014.
What Alison Hammond has said: Well, it’s slightly complex. In an interview with Emma Cox in an issue of Radio Times, Hammond said she had been approached about taking on a presenting role, but noted that she was “so busy” she wasn’t sure it would happen.
“It’s unrealistic. I’m so happy they considered me but, like Traitors, I can’t do it because everything clashes,” she said.
She added: “I would have loved to have done it –anybody that gets it, they’re going to land the perfect job. But I’m so happy with everything I’ve got. What would I drop, to do Strictly?”
But a little over a week later, Hammond changed her tune and told Metro she wasn’t too busy and that anyone would be “crazy” to turn down the show.
She said: “I was trying to back them off because ultimately everyone keeps putting my name in the mix and they’re ruining my chances of even getting on to Strictly, d’you know what I mean? You all need to stop talking about it because I need to get in.”
RT’s verdict: Alison Hammond is almost the perfect fit to take over the Clauditorium, the Alisitorium, if you will. I say almost given we haven’t seen Hammond at the helm of a live TV show quite like Strictly. But kudos have to be given for her presenting skills on This Morning, her ability to make others laugh and swiftly move the conversation along when things get awkward, which would come in handy when consoling the celebrities after their dances. KM
Emma Willis
Emma Willis is a television presenter best known for her work across the BBC, 5, ITV and Channel 4. Most notably, she is who many associate Big Brother with, having presented the reality show for 5 from 2013 to 2018. Prior to that, she presented the spin-off show Big Brother’s Bit on the Side from 2011 to 2015.
Despite not returning to Big Brother upon its move to ITV for its revival, Willis has remained a busy woman, presenting The Voice UK for BBC One and ITV1, The Circle on Channel 4 and more recently, she became co-host of Love Is Blind: UK alongside her husband Matt Willis on Netflix.
What Emma Willis has said: Emma Willis remained rather coy when asked if she was in talks for the Strictly presenting gig. When asked during a segment on This Morning, she and Rylan Clark were asked if the rumours were true to which Willis replied: “Ahh… no!”
Willis hasn’t addressed the rumours directly outside of that comment, but she has previously expressed she’d love to be a contestant on the show.
She told The Sun in 2021: “If I had time, I would do it in a heartbeat. Like I absolutely love it. I’ve been asked in the past but it’s always the time of year when we’re filming The Voice and The Circle. The Circle is not happening this year, but let’s hope The Voice is — otherwise I will be doing Strictly.”
RT’s verdict: I don’t think there is anyone more qualified for the job! Emma’s decorated television career speaks for itself, with years of experience fronting major entertainment shows, particularly live television. She can handle the pressure and is confident and inviting when presenting, something both Daly and Winkleman exuded. Willis would be a perfect fit for either hosting duty, but would blend in effortlessly in the main ballroom. KM
Graham Norton
Graham Norton is a jack of all trades: a comedian, writer, actor and broadcaster – could Strictly Come Dancing host be added to that list?
For many, Norton is best known for his chat show The Graham Norton Show, which he has hosted since 2007, often praised for the A-list guests he gets each week and often the nature of his questioning, which usually sees the celebrity reveal hilarious and personal anecdotes other chat shows don’t tend to get.
In addition to his chat show duties, Norton has been the BBC’s television commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2009 and has also served as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
What Graham Norton has said: We might not be seeing Graham in the Strictly ballroom anytime soon. When asked by Radio Times if he’d be interested in hosting Strictly, Norton said: “No. I haven’t been asked – as far as I know. My manager’s over there… I’m on telly enough, thank you very much.”
RT’s verdict: Do you remember those BBC entertainment series of the noughties that searched for new West End stars? The ones that saw Jodie Prenger landing the role of Nancy when she won I’d Do Anything, or Lee Mead donning the technicolour dreamcoat in Any Dream Will Do?
Graham Norton hosted these shows, and they had very similar formats to Strictly. He celebrated and commiserated with the contestants post-performance, but also sparred with the panel of judges. Who else could introduce Andrew Lloyd Webber as “his nibs” and get away with it?
And unsurprisingly, given that he’s one of our best broadcasters, Norton presided with panache and pizazz; his natural charisma, sharp wit and seamless ad-libbing made presenting a shiny-floor show seem effortless.
News of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s imminent departure from Strictly only amplifies recent whispers around whether the show has had its day. With two of its most sturdy anchors now setting sail, if the BBC wants to shore up the future of what is still one of its most prized and valuable assets, the corporation needs to draft in one of its most prized and valuable presenters. And that’s Norton. At what feels like a precarious juncture for the show, placing it in the hands of someone so experienced and beloved feels like the only hope.
Besides, as the BBC loves a bit of cost-cutting, here’s an idea for them: given that he would be absolutely perfect in the Tess and Claud roles, why not do away with a second host and instead have him bound up and down the stairs to do both jobs? Problem solved… Frances Taylor – Head of Reviews & Previews, Radio Times
Rylan Clark
Rylan Clark rose to fame as a contestant on The X Factor in 2012 and later on Celebrity Big Brother in 2013, which he won. Since then, he has carved out an impressive career in television and has presented the likes of Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, This Morning, Up Late with Rylan and, of course, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
Clark joined the Strictly family in 2019 alongside Zoe Ball before he stepped down from the show after four years.
What Rylan Clark has said: During a segment on This Morning, Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins asked Rylan if it was true he was “in the frame for the Strictly draw”, of which he was quick to deny.
RT’s verdict: Rylan Clark has extensive TV presenting experience, and like some of this list, knows the inner workings of Strictly which could provide him with an advantage. His large fan base and charisma as we’ve seen over the years, could be a ratings win. KM
Alex Jones
Alex Jones is a TV presenter who many will know and recognise as the co-presenter of The One Show, a role she has held since 2010.
And Zoe Ball isn’t the only person to have taken over from Claudia Winkleman, as Jones replaced Winkleman as the co-presenter of Let’s Dance for Comic Relief in 2011. Jones has plenty of expertise when it comes to live presenting gigs, having co-hosted The Sport Relief Games Show as well as coverage for The Royal Wedding in 2011.
What Alex Jones has said: Alex Jones hasn’t commented publicly on the rumours of her being the next Strictly Come Dancing presenter.
RT’s verdict: Admittedly, when Alex Jones was first thrown into the mix, I was unsure, but like many on this list her reputation precedes herself. With over 15 years of experience hosting The One Show as well as experience on live events like Eurovision and Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, Jones certainly has it in her locker to be a standout presenter on Strictly. Beloved by many, Jones would be pick plenty of fans would be happy with. KM
Bradley Walsh
Bradley Walsh made a shift into television after an ankle injury forced him out of football, but he quickly became a hit when hosting Wheel of Fortune, The Chase and more recently, Blankety Blank.
He is also the current co-host Gladiators alongside his son Barney Walsh.
What Bradley Walsh has said: Earlier this year, the question around the Strictly vacancy was posed to Walsh, and he didn’t seem keen at all.
He told Radio Times: “Here’s a potted version of my winter weekends. I come home from the studio on a Friday, have dinner and watch I’m a Celebrity. On Saturday, I’ll watch the football results, have dinner and a pint, watch Strictly, then I’m a Celebrity, and flip back to the BBC for Match of the Day.
“On Sunday I get up late, watch some Columbo, then the football, followed by the Strictly results, then I’m a Celebrity, and then Match of the Day. If I was to host Strictly, it would absolutely ruin my weekend.”
RT’s verdict: From what I hear, there isn’t much truth to claims Walsh would have to give up Gladiators if he were to do Strictly, throwing into question if he is a frontrunner for the job. While he is immensely popular, having anchored The Chase for over 15 years and various other entertainment programmes over the years, his statement of it ruining his weekend should he get the Strictly job might not go down well with fans… KM
Mel Giedroyc
Mel Giedroyc has been part of the Strictly Come Dancing family, having taken part in the Christmas special in 2021, and was once the host of the Strictly live tour. She has worked across a number of television programmes, including as a co-host on The Great British Bake Off, Children in Need and Let It Shine.
What Mel Giedroyc has said: Giedroyc hasn’t publicly addressed the rumours.
RT’s verdict: Mel Giedroyc would be a great addition to the Strictly ballroom, perhaps more so as a Claudia Winkleman successor thanks to her witty humour, and it’s no surprise that’s where rumours have her placed. Having been privvy to her comedy style first hand, she exudes professionalism but with an added humorous edge, something that would see her do well in the auditorium segment. KM
Tom Allen
Tom Allen is a comedian and TV presenter who rose to fame win 2005 when he he won So You Think You’re Funny at the Edinburgh Fringe and the BBC New Comedy Award, starting out his career in stand-up comedy.
From there, he scored hosting gigs on companion shows for The Great British Bake Off and The Apprentice, the latter of which he recently departed.
What Tom Allen has said: Tom Allen told The Mirror he would love to “put his name in the top hat” for hosting duties. “What enormous shoes to fill with Tess and Claudia, they did an amazing job,” he told the publication. “Anything like that – I love that. I love telly with lots of razzmatazz.”
RT’s verdict: Tom Allen has strong potential as a Strictly host, thanks to his theatrical nature and has a long career in presenting fan favourite shows, like Bake Off: An Extra Slice, The Apprentice: You’re Fired! and Cooking with the Stars. His comedy style might be just want Strictly audiences take to, more so in the auditorium.
Alan Carr
Alan Carr is a comedian and TV personality whose breakthrough arrived in 2001 when he won the City Life best newcomer of the year and at the BBC New Comedy Awards. His career only rose from there, from co-hosting The Friday Night Project which led to Alan Carr’s Celebrity Ding Dong before landing Alan Carr: Chatty Man.
What Alan Carr has said: Alan Carr rules himself out of presenting Strictly Come Dancing, admitting that he just likes to watch Strictly and that the job would suit someone “who really, really loves” the show.
RT’s verdict: Is there anything Alan Carr can’t do? Selfishly, I’d love for Alan Carr: Chatty Man to make a return, meaning he’d be too busy for Strictly. But, if he were to be a shoo-in for the gig, he’d immediately excel in the auditorium taking over Winkleman’s duties.
It’s his camp and witty charm that saw him built a rapport with celebrities across 16 seasons of Chatty Man! He immediately assumed the position of national treasure when he won The Celebrity Traitors, and he could only extend that net on Strictly. KM
Holly Willoughby
Holly Willoughby is a TV presenter who went from presenting children’s television shows to primetime shows, including Dancing on Ice, This Morning and for one season, I’m a Celebrity…Get Met Out of Here!.
It was during her tenure on This Morning that saw the show scoop 12 National Television Awards in a row.
What Holly Willoughby has said: Willoughby responded rather coyly when she was quizzed on whether she’d be up for presenting the flagship programme, telling reporters in November: “At the moment, I’m just having a lovely time at home watching Strictly.”
RT’s verdict: It was unsurprising that Holly Willoughby’s name was thrown into the rumour mill. She’s polished, professional and has an impressive track record hosting entertainment programme, and would be a worthy successor of Tess Daly’s presenting role. KM
Angela Scanlon
Angela Scanlon is an Irish television presenter, who first worked as a print journalist and stylist before moving into TV. She began her UK TV career as the new presenter of Robot Wars, while also presenting documentaries for the BBC.
She is also known for presenting The One Show and being an panellist on Bake Off: An Extra Slice, and in recent years she has taken part on Strictly Come Dancing and was recently appointment the new host of The Apprentice: Unfinished Business.
What Angela Scanlon has said: Angela Scanlon previously told The Sun she “would certainly answer the call” if it came ringing about the Strictly gig.
RT’s verdict: Angela Scanlon would bring solid broadcasting experience to Strictly as well as a rare insight having been a contestant on the show. With recent buzz from her appearance on The Celebrity Apprentice and appointment as host of The Apprentice’s companion show, her profile is rising. However, given she hasn’t helmed major live entertainment shows like some others on this list, it could take her some time to ease into the role. KM
La Voix
La Voix is a performer and singer, who rose to fame after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent and Queen of the Universe.
She gained further notoriety when she took part in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2024 and placed as runner-up.
Her many accolades include gracing the silver screen in the comedy Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie as well as her live show, La Voix Meets, in which she has interviewed the likes of Dawn French, Joanna Lumley and Su Pollard.
What La Voix has said: It’s no secret La Voix has been eyeing up a role on Strictly last year, often making jokes during her stint on the programme during the time Winkleman and Daly announced their departures.
RT’s verdict: Immediately yes. La Voix would thrive in the auditorium welcoming the contestants and their dance partners upstairs after their performances, and would have that insider knowledge on how to deal with the judges comments, having been in that position before. Her charisma and hilarity alone should make her a worthy contender, though audiences would have to get exercising their jaws from laughing too hard. KM
Miranda Hart
Miranda Hart is an actress and comedian, best known for her sitcom Miranda which aired from 2009 to 2015. Her other roles include The Vicar of Dibley, Not Going Out and Call the Midwife, and once presented the Royal Variety Performance in 2017.
What Miranda Hart has said: Miranda Hart hasn’t publicly addressed the rumours.
RT’s verdict: Miranda Hart joining the fold as a Strictly presenter could be a massive gamble, largely down to her lack of experience in live presenting and fronting entertainment programmes. Since Miranda, the comedian has rarely made TV appearances and reports seem rather far-fetched she could be a shoo-in to replace Winkleman. KM
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
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