“Top 11 Candidates to Succeed Strictly Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman”

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman exited Strictly Come Dancing in December. Daly is 56 and Winkleman is 54. Both had been linked to the show since 2004.

Winkleman said they left because Strictly “deserves new” and they wanted to depart on a high. BBC bosses have not yet announced successors. Industry voices say many options remain open.

Overview of the shortlist

Filmogaz.com lists the Top 11 candidates currently receiving the most attention. These names reflect a mix of former contestants, radio voices, and past Strictly contributors.

The contenders

• Zoe Ball

  Ball, 55, competed on series three in 2005. She presented It Takes Two from 2011 for ten years and left her Radio 2 show late in 2025.

• Emma Willis

  Willis, 49, hosts The Voice UK. Reports in February suggested she was a close contender for a more traditional presenter role.

• Mel Giedroyc

  Giedroyc, 57, has been linked as a potential comic foil on the main show. She is known for solo presenting outside her partnership with Sue Perkins.

• Anton du Beke

  Du Beke, 59, has been part of Strictly since 2004. He has moved from pro dancer to judge and said he would accept a presenting offer.

• Siân Welby

  Welby, 39, broadcasts on Capital FM and covers This Morning occasionally. Insiders say she could help court a younger audience.

• Rylan

  Rylan, 37, previously hosted It Takes Two between 2019 and 2022. He has a past connection to the Strictly brand and was nominated by some as a fit.

• Alex Jones

  Jones reached the Strictly semi-final in 2011. The One Show presenter was named in industry gossip alongside other strong contenders.

• Bradley Walsh

  Walsh, 65, co-hosts the Gladiators reboot with his son Barney. His name has circulated in pairing rumours, though no decisions are confirmed.

• Janette Manrara

  Manrara, 42, joined Strictly as a pro in 2013. She now co-hosts It Takes Two and has said the main presenting role would be a dream job.

• Angela Scanlon

  Scanlon, 42, competed on Strictly in 2023 with Carlos Gu. She welcomed being mentioned for the role and praised Daly and Winkleman’s dynamic.

• Fleur East

  East, 38, reached the Strictly final in 2022. She joined the companion show in 2023 and is often cited among bookies’ favourites.

Context and reaction

The presenting duo was one of the few female pairings on British television. Commentators, including Richard Osman, have said gender pairings will be flexible.

Comedic speculation continues to swirl. Jack Whitehall joked that Shaun Ryder and Bez were replacements at the Brit Awards, underlining the ongoing gossip.

Filmogaz.com will monitor announcements as the BBC finalises plans. For now, viewers and bookmakers remain engaged with the shortlist.