The pressure is mounting as BBC bosses scramble to finalize the new presenting lineup for Strictly Come Dancing, with only five months left before the 24th series is set to begin. After the departures of long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the BBC is still searching for their replacements. The highly-anticipated auditions are now underway, with nine stars on the shortlist, all vying for the coveted hosting role.
The Departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who had presented the BBC’s flagship dance show for over two decades, made the shocking announcement in October 2025 that they would be stepping down. Their decision left fans heartbroken and BBC executives with a monumental task of finding their replacements.
Despite months of speculation and the usual focus on celebrity contestants, this year’s preparations for Strictly Come Dancing have been overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding the show’s hosting duties.
The Final Auditions
With the clock ticking, BBC bosses have revealed that the search for new hosts is intensifying. In a last-minute push, nine stars have been invited to a top-secret location in London, where they will compete in full-scale dress rehearsals. The auditions, which will take place from Monday to Friday this week, are set to test their chemistry, presentation skills, and ability to deliver the fun and energy that Strictly fans expect.
The auditions come after weeks of speculation, with multiple big names turning down the job. Those on the shortlist include The One Show presenter Alex Jones, podcast host Angela Scanlon, comedian Rylan Clark, and popular TV hosts Emma Willis and Alison Hammond. Also included are The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh, RuPaul’s Drag Race star La Voix, and Radio 2’s Zoe Ball.
Chemistry and Fun Are Key
BBC insiders have emphasized that the auditions will be more than just about reading from an autocue. “It’s about chemistry, humor, and how the presenters interact with each other live on air,” one source revealed. “We’re looking for someone who can bring energy and fun to the show while keeping it fresh.”
A potential new direction could see a mix of familiar faces, with rumors suggesting that a male-female duo is likely. However, BBC bosses are open to experimenting with different combinations, even the possibility of adding a third host to shake things up.
A Changing Landscape
The pressure on the BBC to find the perfect hosts has been further compounded by the departure of several professional dancers from the show’s lineup. Strictly’s longest-serving female dancer, Karen Hauer, along with Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Marquez, have all confirmed they will not be returning for the upcoming series.
The changes behind the scenes are said to reflect the BBC’s desire to refresh the format of the show. “They really want to bring the fun this year,” another insider added. “It’s all about creating the right vibe for a new era of Strictly.”
Alison Hammond’s Changing Stance
One name that has come up repeatedly in connection with the Strictly hosting gig is Alison Hammond. The This Morning star initially distanced herself from the idea, citing her busy schedule and other commitments. However, in recent interviews, Alison has backtracked on her earlier stance. “Who would turn down Strictly? They’d be crazy!” she said in a recent chat with Metro.
She continued, “I’m not too busy, and I’m fitter than ever. I can do it all. Let’s put that on the record.”
The Potential for New Pairings
While Alison has long been a frontrunner for the role, other names like Rylan Clark and Tom Allen are also gaining traction. If Rylan and Tom Allen, both known for their sharp humor and energetic presenting styles, click during the auditions, they could form a comedic pairing that would certainly keep viewers entertained.
However, there are also suggestions that the show could return to a two-female host format, with potential pairings like Emma Willis and Angela Scanlon. BBC bosses are keeping their options open, and nothing is set in stone.
A Dilemma for Bradley Walsh
Meanwhile, The Chase host Bradley Walsh has emerged as another strong contender for the role. However, Bradley is also heavily involved in the popular Gladiators reboot, which could complicate his decision. If he were to join Strictly, he may have to step away from Gladiators, a show that has seen significant success and is helping launch his son Barney’s career.
A decision will need to be made soon, as filming for The Chase has reportedly been paused for at least a year, which might free up Bradley’s schedule for Strictly.
The Countdown to Strictly
With just five months to go until Strictly Come Dancing returns, the pressure is on BBC bosses to secure a host that can fill the shoes of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. The secret auditions are a final push to find the right combination of presenters who can bring fresh energy to the show while maintaining the iconic atmosphere that fans have come to know and love.
As the auditions continue, fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement on who will take over the iconic role, and whether the show will be able to keep its charm while navigating through a turbulent period behind the scenes. Stay tuned for updates!
