Cliff Notes – Beloved ITV presenter ‘in running to replace Strictly’s Tess and Claudia’
- Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing, with their final show set for Christmas Day after a decade of hosting together.
- Bradley Walsh is reportedly a frontrunner to replace the duo, potentially joined by a female co-host, with Fleur East and Oti Mabuse being considered.
- Zoe Ball praised Tess and Claudia for their contributions to the show and expressed interest in the hosting role, highlighting the significance of their exit as a “powerful move.”
Beloved ITV presenter ‘in running to replace Strictly’s Tess and Claudia’
Claudia Winkelman and Tess Daly shocked fans after their announcement.
A veteran ITV presenter is said to be ‘in the running’ to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts on Strictly Come Dancing.
Last month, the pair – who have fronted the BBC dancing series for the past decade together – made the shock announcement that the current season of the show would be their last.
Now, it is being rumoured that Bradley Walsh could be one of the main stars to take their position.
The Chase presenter, 65, would likely be joined by at least one female host, which could be Fleur East or Oti Mabuse given their connection to the show.
A source told The Sun: ‘Bradley is a real pro and has brilliant experience hosting live shows. His name has come up a few times with execs as many think he would be great.
‘Of course, he would have a female alongside him as part of a duo. Oti and Fleur are both frontrunners and also have great experience.
Bradley Walsh could be in the running to be a presenter on the iconic BBC show.
Claudia and Tess revealed that their last show will be on Christmas
‘Bradley is popular with both old and young viewers and would bring some humour and an old school showbiz quality.’
As well as hosting the iconic quiz show The Chase, Bradley was also at the helm of the BBC’s Gladiators reboot with his son Barney.
Earlier this week, Zoe Ball was asked point blank by Jo Whiley on their Dig It podcast whether she would be interested in hosting the Saturday night primetime Entertainment slot.
The 54-year-old said: ‘I think everyone would like to do that job. It’s an amazing job. It’s the best Saturday night show… Whoever takes over will have the best gig in the world.’
‘I thought you were an insider and you knew these things,’ Jo teased, while Zoe admitted: ‘No I don’t know anything!’
Complimenting Tess and Claudia for ‘breaking glass ceilings’ as two women at the helm of a Saturday night entertainment show, Zoe said they’ve made the show ‘fantastic’.
The Chase presenter also rebooted the BBC’s new series of Gladiator
Several names have been mentioned to take over from the duo.
She said: ‘They’re such a brilliant double act. I love the fact they’ve owned this story and they’re going together. They’ve decided now is the time to do that. It was such a shocker for everyone, we were like, “What!”‘
Jo agreed that their exit was ‘a powerful move’ while Zoe suggested Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham would be a brilliant next host.
Zoe presented Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two for 10 years until her 2021 departure, and speaks passionately about the competition, having danced in 2005 as a contestant.
Announcing their departure, Tess and Claudia – who will host their last show on Christmas Day – said in a joint video: ‘After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.’