Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be leaving the show this year – but who is likely to replace them?
Tess and Claudia shared the news this morning (October 23) that they will be waving goodbye to the beloved BBC One dance show in a surprise announcement.
The pair said it “feels the right time” to leave and admitted they have “loved working as a duo”.
Who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly?
While Tess and Claudia’s replacement has yet to be announced, names have started to circulate. According to exclusive odds from SportsCasting, Roman Kemp is favourite to replace the iconic duo. Former This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby is currently in second place.
SportsCasting’s Shane Orton told ED!: “Following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s announcement that they’re stepping down from Strictly Come Dancing, attention has quickly turned to who might take their place. Roman Kemp leads the early betting at 3/1, with Holly Willoughby close behind at 4/1. Both are established live TV favourites who could bring a fresh energy to the ballroom.”
Meanwhile, Alex Scott, who appeared on the show in 2019, and Vicky Pattison, who is competing this year, fall just behind.
“The likes of Alex Scott and current Strictly participant Vicky Pattison are also in the mix at 7/1, while Maya Jama’s ever-growing popularity sees her priced at 8/1. It marks one of the biggest presenting shake-ups in Strictly history. Fans are already speculating who will waltz into one of television’s most iconic roles,” Shane added.
It Takes Two hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara are also in the running with joint odds of 9/1. However, there is predictions that Anton Du Beke could swap his role as a judge for the main host.
Shane said: “Anton Du Beke has also emerged as a fascinating contender at 12/1. Having made the move from professional dancer to judge, he’s already proved his versatility and enduring popularity with viewers. If the BBC opts for someone who knows the ballroom inside out, Anton could well be the one to step into the spotlight.”
Tess and Claudia’s statement
In their shock announcement this morning, Tess and Claudia shared a joint statement on Instagram.
“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,” they said.
While reassuring fans that they will continue until the end of this series, they added: “We just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.”
Tess and Claudia concluded: “We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”
Read more: Anton Du Beke drops huge Strictly final bombshell
Share your thoughts on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.