The star is tipped to be making the comeback of all comebacks
@Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock
Since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their shock decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing at the end of this series, speculation has been rife over who is going to replace them. While top names such as Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr, Zoe Ball, Amanda Holden, Rylan Clark and Dermot O’Leary have been suggested, we can reveal that Holly Willoughby is the frontrunner to take over.
‘It’s not official yet, but it’s a pretty much done deal that Holly will be the next host,’ we’re told. ‘She loves the Strictly team and can’t wait to get stuck in. She knows she has some big shoes to fill – she’s a huge fan of both Claudia and Tess. But she’s up to the challenge and knows she’ll make the producers proud.’
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman ©BBC/Guy Levy
Formerly ITV’s golden girl, having hosted This Morning and Dancing On Ice for 14 years, Holly, 44, has decades of experience with live telly. The ex-children’s TV presenter fronted Bear Hunt and You Bet! after she quit This Morning in 2023, with other shows on her impressive CV including I’m A Celebrity, as well as The Xtra Factor and The Voice UK.
While she’s yet to confirm or deny the Strictly rumours, Holly recently hinted that she’s already started doing her homework. ‘At the moment, I’m just having a lovely time at home watching Strictly,’ she said when asked about taking over.
Former BBC1 controller Peter Fincham fuelled the rumours further when he said, ‘My hairdresser also cuts the hair of a well-known channel controller. What’s said in Harry’s the hairdresser stays in Harry’s. But he says with great confidence that Holly Willoughby will take over.’
Holly Willoughby ©Joe Maher/Getty Images
Holly – who hasn’t had an easiest time of late, with TV work drying up – is already friendly with some of the BBC’s senior execs, thanks to her TV producer husband Dan Baldwin, who’s behind some of the network’s top shows like The Wheel and Gladiators. heat previously revealed she has been weighing up options in the US – however, as Strictly is only filmed for four months of the year, that would still leave Holly plenty of time for her American dream.
‘Producers plan to reveal all at the end of this series. There’ll be a massive handover to Holly and her new co-host,’ we’re told. ‘Bosses are positive they have locked in the nation’s sweetheart. And Holly’s feeling confident – she won’t get knocked down again.’
The insider adds, ‘It’s been a tough few years to say the least. For this to land so perfectly at her feet now will see Holly’s career back on track – and it comes with a guarantee of a long-term commitment.’
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