It’s the biggest shake-up in Strictly Come Dancing history. Just hours after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stunned fans with their emotional farewell, speculation has exploded over who will take over the glittering ballroom next year.
The iconic duo — who have hosted Strictly together since 2014 — confirmed in a tear-filled social-media video that they’ll “hang up their heels” after this season.
And now, the BBC’s top-secret shortlist has leaked — with some very familiar faces already emerging as frontrunners.
According to early bookmaker odds, several big names are already being tipped to step into those sparkling shoes.
Among them: Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton, Roman Kemp, Janette Manrara, Fleur East, Rylan Clark, and Alex Scott.
Let’s take a closer look at who could be leading the glittering charge…
⭐ Zoe Ball (2-1 favourite)
A true BBC veteran, Zoe Ball tops the early list.
She’s no stranger to Strictly fans — having hosted the beloved spin-off It Takes Two for years.
The 54-year-old broadcaster made history as the first woman to host the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show back in 1997, before moving on to Top of the Pops and BBC Radio 2.
Now, with her unmatched experience, charm, and legacy, Zoe could easily waltz back into the ballroom spotlight.
Bookmakers Coral currently list her as the top favourite to replace Tess Daly.
“Zoe Ball is part of the Strictly family,” says Coral’s John Hill. “She’s the natural successor.”
Holly Willoughby (2-1)
She’s Britain’s golden girl of daytime TV — and now Holly Willoughby may be about to take her sparkle to Saturday nights.
After hosting Dancing on Ice, The Voice UK, and This Morning, Holly knows how to command a live audience with warmth and ease.
Having left This Morning in 2023, and with Dancing on Ice officially cancelled, this could be the perfect comeback for the 44-year-old star.
Bookmakers are already calling her a serious contender for the coveted gig.
Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton (2-1)
It’s the Strictly love story that fans still can’t get enough of — and now the show’s 2018 champions could return as hosts.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, who met and fell in love on the dance floor, are reportedly being considered as the BBC’s dream “power couple” to lead the next era.
Both are adored by audiences — Stacey for her fearless BBC documentaries and Kevin for his glittering dance career.
They’re currently starring together on stage in 2:22 – A Ghost Story and regularly share Strictly insights on their Substack.
“They’re passionate, qualified, and completely in tune with the Strictly audience,” says PR expert Kayley Cornelius.
Roman Kemp (3-1)
From radio studios to reality shows, Roman Kemp has become one of the UK’s most likeable young presenters.
The 32-year-old son of Martin and Shirlie Kemp made his name hosting Capital Breakfast and appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, where he finished third.
Now free from his radio schedule, insiders believe the BBC could see Roman as a fresh, youthful energy for the show’s future.
Janette Manrara (3-1)
Who better to host Strictly than someone who’s lived it?
Former professional dancer Janette Manrara knows the show “like the back of her hand.” After eight successful seasons as a pro, she moved into presenting Strictly: It Takes Two alongside Rylan Clark and later Fleur East.
With her infectious charm, Cuban-American flair, and deep connection to the Strictly family, Janette is a natural fit to return front and centre.
Fleur East (4-1)
From X Factor finalist to Strictly finalist, Fleur East has danced her way into Britain’s hearts.
The powerhouse performer — who reached the Strictly final in 2022 — now co-hosts It Takes Two and presents The Hits Radio Breakfast Show.
Bookmakers have her near the top of the odds, and fans love her energy, calling her “the voice of modern Strictly.”
Rylan Clark (5-1)
The multi-talented Rylan has proven time and again that he can do it all — from Big Brother’s Bit on the Side to It Takes Two.
With his signature wit, warmth, and larger-than-life personality, Rylan would bring fun, camp and chaos to the ballroom in the best possible way.
Alex Scott (4-1)
Ex-footballer turned TV star Alex Scott has long been a fan favourite.
Having competed on Strictly in 2019, she quickly became one of the show’s breakout stars.
Now a respected presenter of Football Focus and The One Show, Alex is praised for her natural charisma and on-screen confidence — making her a strong outside contender to take over next year.
“The end of an era — but not the end of the sparkle”
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s emotional goodbye left millions of fans teary-eyed.
“It’s been 21 wonderfully joyful years,” Tess said. “But it’s time to pass the glittery baton.”
Claudia added:
“Strictly is pure magic — and I’ll forever be grateful. But it’s time for someone else to take the floor.”
Their announcement marks the end of one of British television’s most iconic duos — and the start of one of the BBC’s biggest searches ever.
As one insider put it:
“Whoever takes over Strictly isn’t just hosting a show — they’re inheriting a legacy.”
✨ So who will it be? The nation’s guessing… and the dance floor awaits. 💃
