Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly in talks with two big names to take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts of the BBC show
08:10, 04 Nov 2025
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Two highly recognisable BBC personalities are reportedly “in talks” to present Strictly Come Dancing. It comes just weeks after current hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman made the shocking announcement that they would be departing at the conclusion of this series.
TV executives are convinced that The One Show presenter Alex Jones alongside The Chase favourite Bradley Walsh would make an ideal pairing to succeed Tess and Claudia.
Tess and Claudia revealed their intention to exit the ballroom dancing programme last month. The duo released a joint statement at the time explaining their decision to viewers.
Their statement declared: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.”
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have quit Strictly (Image: BBC)READ MORE: Strictly star Lewis Cope’s relationship as he’s supported by girlfriendREAD MORE: Celebrity Traitors finalist Cat Burns reschedules tour over ‘mental wellbeing’
They added. “We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.”
Alex had previously taken part in the BBC programme back in 2011 but departed the dancing contest just one week prior to the finale. She had been paired with professional dancer James Jordan, reports the Mirror.
An insider revealed to The Sun: “Alex and Bradley are both the favourites to take over from Tess and Claudia. They have been in the BBC’s sights for some time, as Tess and Claudia’s exit plan has been known for a while.”
An insider revealed: “Bradley and Alex are both seen as accomplished broadcasters. He brings the wisecracks and Alex is the calm head who knows how to handle live situations after 15 years of co-hosting The One Show. Alex is a massive fan of Strictly too so this would be the dream gig for her.”
Alex had previously taken part in the BBC programme back in 2011 (Image: PA)
They further explained that while discussions are still in the early stages, it appears to be a promising development.
The source also confirmed that the show’s established format, including the set, theme tune and judging panel, will remain unchanged to avoid unsettling fans.
However, BBC chiefs are eager to “freshen up” the programme with a new logo and fresh “faces on the dance floor.”
A wide range of names have also been suggested, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh, Hannah Waddingham, and more. Also among the latest contenders are Janette Manrara and Fleur East, who currently present the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two.
Bradley Walsh has been tipped as the new Strictly presenter (Image: ITV)
The Mirror reported that Tess’ departure was planned to allow her more family time, but PR expert Mark Borkowski suggests she might be considering a move to the US.
He told the Mirror: “Tess has the advantage of a blank canvas. Her exit timing feels deliberate – just when Strictly starts to show its age. If she plays it right, this is her Madonna reinvention phase: same warmth, new edge.”
He added: “The US rumours make sense – she has the polish and credibility to slip into glossy network formats or daytime franchises without breaking stride.”
Meanwhile, it seems Claudia could be planning to host her own chat show, similar to Graham Norton’s popular programme. Reports suggest her show would air during Graham’s off-air period to avoid competition for viewership.
Strictly Come Dancing returns Saturday at 6.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
