The search is on for the next hosts of Strictly Come Dancing. After nearly two decades of Tess Daly and over a decade of Claudia Winkleman as the face of the show, the BBC faces its biggest presenting shake-up in history. While the network has confirmed the duo’s departure for the 2026 series, no official replacements have been named. The rumour mill, however, is in full swing.
Speculation has intensified in recent months. From Vernon Kay’s offhand predictions to tabloid claims of secret auditions, a handful of names have emerged as frontrunners. But with no official word from the BBC, the public is left asking one question: who will step into those glittery shoes?
Who Will Replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly Come Dancing?
The exact identity of the new presenting duo remains unconfirmed. Based on the latest media reports, however, several high-profile presenters are being considered. The field is still open, and the BBC has made no definitive decision public.
Who will replace Tess and Claudia? No official announcement as of latest reports.
Angela Scanlon, Rylan Clark, Emma Willis are among rumoured names.
No date confirmed; speculation suggests announcement may come in coming weeks.
Angela Scanlon and Emma Willis are early frontrunners according to odds.
- No official BBC confirmation on replacements as of latest reports.
- Rumoured candidates include Angela Scanlon, Rylan Clark, and Emma Willis.
- Vernon Kay suggested potential names in a February 2026 interview.
- Betting odds currently favour Angela Scanlon and Emma Willis.
- The search for new hosts follows Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down.
- Tabloids (Express, Independent, Telegraph) have been the main sources of speculation.
| Fact | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Departing Hosts | Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman | Confirmed |
| Show | Strictly Come Dancing (BBC) | Confirmed |
| Current Status | Rumours circulating; no official announcement | Confirmed |
| Earliest Rumour Date | February 2026 (Vernon Kay comments) | Reported |
| Latest Development | Independent article reports Emma Willis offered role | Reported / Unconfirmed |
| Key Candidate 1 | Angela Scanlon | Rumoured |
| Key Candidate 2 | Rylan Clark | Rumoured |
| Key Candidate 3 | Emma Willis | Rumoured |
| Other Mentioned Names | Zoe Ball, Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc | Rumoured |
| Official BBC Statement | Replacements announced “in due course” | Confirmed |
Which Presenters Are in the Running to Replace Tess and Claudia?
Several well-known faces feature prominently in media speculation. Each candidate brings a specific set of skills and a distinct relationship with the BBC audience. No presenter has been officially confirmed, but reporting from multiple outlets points to a shortlist.
Angela Scanlon
Angela Scanlon is a television presenter and former Strictly contestant. Her familiarity with the show’s environment and her established connection with viewers make her a natural fit. She is often cited as one of the leading contenders.
Rylan Clark
Rylan Clark currently hosts Strictly: It Takes Two, the show’s companion programme. His experience within the Strictly universe and his proven chemistry with contestants position him as a strong internal candidate. Strictly Come Dancing 2026 lineup speculation often includes his name.
Emma Willis
Emma Willis has been highlighted as a potential frontrunner. The Independent reported that Willis has been offered one of the roles after impressing producers during an audition. This claim, attributed to The Sun, has not been verified by the BBC.
Other Names Mentioned
Zoe Ball, Alex Jones, and Mel Giedroyc have also been regularly discussed in coverage. Each has a track record in live broadcasting and light entertainment, and all have been linked to the role in recent months.
The BBC is reportedly considering candidates who can bring warmth and live-television experience. Both single-host and dual-host formats remain possible, though no internal decision has been reported. The most frequently recurring names are Angela Scanlon, Rylan Clark, and Emma Willis.
When Will the New Strictly Hosts Be Announced?
No date has been set for the official announcement. The BBC has stated only that replacements will be named “in due course.” Based on historical patterns, host announcements have typically been made in the late spring or early summer, ahead of the autumn series launch.
Media speculation has intensified throughout early 2026. The Express reported on April 26 that replacements had been “decided,” but this claim has not been corroborated by the BBC or any official source. It remains possible that internal decisions have been made privately, with a formal reveal expected later this year.
At this stage, all announcements regarding the new hosts should be treated as unconfirmed until the BBC releases an official statement. Readers are advised to verify any breaking news with an authoritative source.
What Are the Latest Odds on Who Will Replace Tess and Claudia?
Betting markets have reflected the high level of interest in this casting decision. No official odds list has been verified from the sources provided, but media outlets have consistently described Angela Scanlon and Emma Willis as early frontrunners. Rylan Clark also remains a popular wager among punters.
It is worth noting that no reliable bookmaker market is confirmed in the material available. The speculation around odds appears to be driven by tabloid reporting rather than published betting lines. Until a verified market emerges, these reports should be treated with caution.
Factors Influencing the Odds
The betting landscape may shift as more insider information surfaces. Key variables include whether the BBC opts for one host or two, and whether they prioritise internal BBC talent or seek external presenters. The rumoured audition process for Emma Willis has reportedly moved the odds in her favour, but nothing is settled.
Why Are Tess and Claudia Leaving Strictly Come Dancing?
Tess Daly has co-hosted Strictly since its inception in 2004. Claudia Winkleman joined as co-host in 2014, having previously hosted the companion show. Both have stepped down together, though specific reasons for their departure have not been detailed in any official capacity.
The exit of such long-standing figures marks a significant moment for the programme. Tess Daly biography records note her marriage to singer Vernon Kay, who himself made predictions about the replacements in a February 2026 Express interview. Claudia Winkleman is expected to continue other broadcasting commitments following her departure from the show.
Timeline: Key Events in the Search for New Hosts
- February 24, 2026 — Vernon Kay names Tess and Claudia’s replacements in an Express article.
- April 22, 2026 — Telegraph publishes a runners-and-riders analysis of potential candidates.
- April 26, 2026 — Express claims replacements have been “decided,” with professional dancers not returning.
- Approx. May 2026 — The Independent reports that Emma Willis has been offered a role after a successful audition.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have stepped down as hosts. | Which specific candidate(s) will be chosen. |
| The BBC has not made an official replacement announcement. | Whether any announcements have been made privately. |
| Multiple media outlets have reported on potential candidates. | If the reported offers (e.g., Emma Willis) are accurate. |
| The show remains in production for its 2026 series. | The exact timing of the official announcement. |
What Does This Search Mean for the Future of Strictly?
Strictly Come Dancing is a flagship BBC programme. The departure of Tess and Claudia represents the most significant casting shift in the show’s history. The search for replacements has generated substantial media attention, with tabloids reporting various names and occasionally conflicting accounts. The BBC typically keeps host announcements confidential until close to the series launch, and this year appears to be no different. The long-term direction of the show’s presenting format remains an open question.
What Are the Main Sources Behind These Reports?
The key sources of current speculation include the Express, the Independent, and the Telegraph. Each has published articles with varying degrees of attribution. The Independent’s report on Emma Willis cites The Sun as its original source. The Express has run multiple pieces, including one quoting Vernon Kay and another claiming decisions have been made. The Telegraph provided a broader analytical overview. The BBC’s own official Strictly Come Dancing page remains the definitive source for any confirmed updates.
“I think it’ll be Angela Scanlon and Rylan Clark.”
— Vernon Kay, speaking to Express, February 24, 2026
“Emma Willis has been offered one of the roles after impressing producers in her audition.”
— The Sun, via The Independent, May 2026
In Summary: The State of Play
The situation is still fluid. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are confirmed to be leaving. Their replacements are not. The most widely reported candidates are Angela Scanlon, Rylan Clark, and Emma Willis, with Zoe Ball, Alex Jones, and Mel Giedroyc also featuring in speculation. No official odds or a final announcement have been publicly confirmed. The BBC is expected to reveal the new hosts in due course, but for now, the search remains an open and active story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tess Daly’s husband’s name?
Tess Daly is married to singer Vernon Kay.
How long have Tess and Claudia hosted Strictly?
Tess Daly has co-hosted since 2004; Claudia Winkleman joined as a co-host in 2014 (and previously hosted the companion show).
Who is Rylan Clark?
Rylan Clark is a TV presenter and former Strictly contestant, currently hosting Strictly: It Takes Two.
Are there any other rumoured candidates?
Other names mentioned include Davina McCall, AJ Odudu, and Stacey Dooley, though less frequently.
Has the BBC said anything officially?
The BBC has stated that replacements will be announced “in due course” but has not named any candidates.
Is Emma Willis definitely the new host?
No. While The Independent has reported she was offered a role, the BBC has not confirmed this.
Will there be one host or two?
It is not known. The BBC has not indicated whether they will appoint a single host or a duo.
When is the new series due to air?
The new series typically begins in the autumn. An announcement on hosts is expected before then.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.