A number of other names have already started doing the rounds, from former show stars to a Celebrity Traitors icon.
Zoe Ball has become the first high-profile name to express interest in taking over Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly presenting roles after the pair announced their departures.
The news of Tess, 56, and Claudia, 54, stepping down at the end of the series shocked fans last week.
Zoe, 54, shared her thoughts on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, saying the job would be “amazing” and noting that “everyone” would want the role.
She added that the announcement came as a huge surprise. “My phone was going beep, beep! ‘What? Why didn’t you tell me this was happening?’ It’s like, ‘I didn’t know! Why would I know?’”
Zoe Ball praised Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, saying: “Bravo to the girls. They’re both fab, and they’re going to be a tough act to follow.”
When co-host Jo Whiley asked if she’d like to take over their roles, Zoe admitted: “Everyone would like that job. It’s an amazing job — the best Saturday night show. Watching Ellie dance with Vito or Lewis with Katya still brings so much joy. Everyone’s going to want that job; there will be queues around the block.” Her comments make her the first star to publicly express interest in replacing the Strictly pair.
Tess has hosted the show since its 2004 launch, while Claudia joined the main programme in 2014 after a stint on It Takes Two. Zoe also has a long history with Strictly, having hosted It Takes Two for ten years until 2021 and competed on the main show in 2005. Partnered with Ian Waite, she finished runner-up, giving her insight into the show.
BBC bosses were reportedly caught off guard by Tess and Claudia’s departure, with only a few insiders aware of their plans. They secretly filmed their exit weeks in advance and released it mid-series to avoid overshadowing the winner. Their final show will air on Christmas Day.
A source revealed the duo had been planning their exit since last year, agreeing privately to leave together while keeping it secret. Their decision follows a series of recent scandals involving professional dancers and behind-the-scenes issues. Falling viewing figures and “underwhelming” line-ups had even prompted betting companies to speculate on the show’s future.
In a statement, 56-year-old Tess said it was “time to say goodbye,” calling Strictly a celebration of joy and togetherness. She paid tribute to Claudia: “What an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you. You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared.”
Claudia described the show as “the greatest relationship of my career.”
Speculation is already running high over who will take over from Tess and Claudia on the popular show.
Several names are being floated, ranging from former Strictly stars to a Celebrity Traitors personality.