Search Begins for New Strictly Hosts

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced they will step down as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing at the end of this series, prompting a high-profile search for replacements. Names being floated include Bradley Walsh, Alan Carr, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Paddy McGuinness, Oti Mabuse, Fleur East, Janette Manrara and a possible Kevin Clifton/Stacey Dooley pairing, while Drag Race star La Voix has made playful on-air bids that have won fan support. Bradley Walsh is frequently touted as a favourite to evoke the Bruce Forsyth era and is being linked with a female co-host such as Oti Mabuse or Fleur East, though he has a busy presenting schedule and has joked he is “not a dancer.” Zoe Ball has publicly declared interest in the role, calling it “amazing.” Industry commentators say the show may benefit from an old‑school “triple‑threat” entertainer, a view cited in support of picks like Alan Carr. The BBC declined to comment beyond saying plans for the 2026 series will be announced “in due course,” leaving the shortlist and final decision open to further speculation.