Shirley Ballas admitted she already has someone in mind to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)
Shirley Ballas admitted she already knows who she wants to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing. Last week, the beloved duo left fans reeling after announcing this series will be their last. The pair will make their final appearance during the festive special on Christmas Day. Speculation is already rife over who will step into Tess and Claudia’s shoes, and Shirley has revealed who her mother hopes will land the role. Speaking at the Wimbledon BookFest on Sunday, Shirley, who lives with her mother Audrey Rich, 88, said: “If my mother had her way, it would be Rylan Clark who replaces them.”
The This Morning presenter, 37, is among the favourites to replace the duo, with other frontrunners including Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton. When asked if she had anyone in mind to replace them, Shirley replied: “Oh absolutely darling, but I couldn’t reveal.”
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Shirley admitted she has a “very good” relationship with Tess and Claudia, and has to respect that they are ready to move on.
The 65-year-old continued: “We don’t want them to move on, but they are ready to move on. And one day I’ll be ready to move on, and that will be my choice when I feel I’m ready to go.
“And somebody else will come in, and after a show or two you’ll fall in love with the next person.”
The professional dancer added: “I will miss them tremendously. I can only wish them both well wherever they land, and they’re going to do an amazing job.”
Shirley, who has worked closely with Tess and Claudia since joining the judging panel in 2017, insisted the show will continue to “thrive”, despite fans’ concerns that it may decline following the pair’s departure.
Tess and Claudia announced this year of Strictly will be their last (Image: BBC)
She said: “Strictly Come Dancing will thrive as long as it’s bringing joy to the general public. There’ll always be outrage and always, “Oh, this is going to die, that’s going to die, the show won’t be anything without them.
“I will actually miss them myself but things move on. It’s bigger than anybody — bigger than any star, celebrity, judge, presenter. Strictly is for the public.
“You are the people it is there for, and I’m sad to see them go because from the very beginning, particularly Claudia and Tess were there to show me every single step.’
Shirley praised Tess and Claudia for their professionalism, but also and the fun and laughter they bring to the show.
She went on: “If you saw the relationship — I’m fortunate enough to have the changing room next to them — Motsi and all the other guys, they’re a bit further down the corridor, but I’m right next to them.
“The laughter, the fun, the relationship they’ve got and how serious they take their jobs has been… and I’ve learned so much. It’s a sight to behold. It’s fantastic.”
Following the shocking news, Shirley took to social media to break her silence, admitting she has been left with a “broken heart.”
Sharing a lengthy post with her followers on Instagram, Shirley began: “I don’t even know where to begin… when I joined back in 2017, it was Tess and Claudia who took me under their wings.
“From day one they were my guiding lights, helping me find my feet, showing me the ropes of television and doing so with kindness, patience, generosity and always with a smile.”
The TV star continued: “I have truly never met two more remarkable ladies. Their dedication, grace, humour and sheer hard work has helped make Strictly the magical show that it is. Their energy lifts the ballroom and their friendship is truly beautiful.’
Shirley admitted she was “heartbroken” after learning Tess and Claudia had quit (Image: Instagram/Shirley Ballas)
“Hearing they’re leaving the ballroom has broken my heart. My dressing room sits right next to theirs and I’ll miss popping in for our little chats.
“Sometimes I walk in accidentally thinking their rooms are mine. Those moments have brought me such laughter and warmth over the years. They are the duo that hold everything together and I’ll miss them more than words can say.
Shirley added: “Thank you, my beautiful Tess and Claudia, for everything you’ve given to me, to our show and to the millions who adore you.
“You’ve made my time on the show so very special and you both will always be superstar women in my book. Love you both to the moon and back.”
