Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaving the hit BBC programme
17:11, 13 Dec 2025
A former Strictly Come Dancing star might have dropped a clue that she’ll be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as she quit her job. In October, Tess and Claudia stunned fans with the news that they would be leaving the show after the current series concludes.
The duo have been the faces of the popular BBC dance contest since 2014, when Claudia took over from Sir Bruce Forsyth, who co-hosted the original series with Tess starting in 2004. Ever since their departure was announced, there’s been rampant speculation about who might fill Tess and Claudia’s shoes. Now, fans believe they’ve uncovered a clue pointing to a former star’s comeback.
On Saturday (December 13), it was revealed that Zoe Ball, former host of It Takes Two, would be stepping down from her Saturday lunchtime slot on BBC Radio 2, reports Wales Online.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaving Strictly(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing star breaks down in tears after emotional reunionREAD MORE: Strictly judge ‘couldn’t sleep’ after Lewis Cope was axed from show
Her final show is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, from 1pm to 3pm, although Zoe will continue to present specials on the station throughout the year.
Emma Willis has been named as Zoe’s successor, taking over the show from January 2026, which will include chats with special guests and listeners, all set to a backdrop of world-class music.
Reflecting on her time at Radio 2, Zoe shared: “Spending Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 gang has been an absolute hoot, the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh [Ranganathan] and Rylan [Clark].
“I’m over the moon for the fabulous Emma to take the reins, she’s pure sunshine and is going to bring all the joy (and tunes! ) to your Saturdays.”
Zoe Ball has quit her BBC Radio 2 show(Image: BBC)
Emma chimed in: “I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family – and it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who’s someone I admire and adore.”
Now, several Strictly enthusiasts are speculating that Zoe’s departure from Radio 2 will free up her Saturday nights, potentially paving the way for her to host the popular BBC dance show next autumn.
“Interesting. Zoe hasn’t done that show for very long at all. Next autumn is a long way off but… could #Strictly be calling?” one individual posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added: “Zoe Ball it is then for next year’s #Strictly. Hoping Rylan will join her,” while a third speculated: “Congratulations, Emma! Does this mean that Zoe will be Strictly’s new presenter?? Hope so!”
Zoe used to host Strictly spin-off, It Takes Two(Image: BBC)
A fourth fan echoed these thoughts, saying: “I am hoping so much that Zoe is leaving to become one of the new SCD hosts. Pleeeeease,” with another similarly sharing: “Ooo I hope this is because Zoe needs to be free on Saturdays for a certain dancing show.”
In response to the fan theory, a representative for Strictly told the Daily Star: “We don’t comment on speculation.”
Zoe has a deep-rooted connection with the popular dance programme, having competed in the third series of Strictly back in 2005. She later stepped into Claudia’s shoes as the presenter of the Strictly spin-off, It Takes Two, in 2011, before bidding farewell in 2021.
Other celebrities speculated to be in the running to succeed Tess and Claudia include Janette Manrara, Fleur East, Hannah Waddingham, Rylan Clark and Oti Mabuse.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
