Claudia Winkleman appears to hint that Strictly replacements have already been decided
Presenting duo announced they are leaving the programme in December after the current series ends
www.the-independent.comHere are the latest developments on Strictly Come Dancing hosts as of May 2026.
Key takeaways
- The show is undergoing a hosting shake-up after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure, with BBC reporting a broad search for new hosts and several names linked to potential roles [source reports indicate a refreshed presenting team is in play; multiple outlets have covered the evolving lineup].[3][4][6]
- Rumors and early indicators point to Emma Willis and other high-profile TV figures being considered, with bookies and entertainment outlets weighing in on possible replacements. However, no final lineup has been officially confirmed by the BBC as of mid-2026.[2][6][3]
- It’s common for broadcasters to announce new hosts after the new year, once auditions and chemistry tests have shaped the final choice. BBC executives have acknowledged strong interest from multiple candidates, but a formal announcement had not been made by May 2026.[6]
Context and outlets
- Reports in 2025–2026 tracked a gradual reshaping of Strictly’s presenting team, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping away after the current series and the BBC exploring replacements.[3][6]
- Coverage from Mirror and Independent-era outlets highlighted ongoing speculation about replacements such as Emma Willis, Alan Carr, Bradley Walsh, and others, but emphasized that nothing was confirmed yet and the process was still underway.[4][5][9][2]
- A number of pieces also discussed potential changes to companion programming (It Takes Two) and shifts in how content would be produced or distributed, reflecting broader format refresh ideas underway at the BBC for Strictly’s ecosystem.[5][4]
What to watch for next
- An official BBC announcement of the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts, with dates likely set for later in 2026 as the new season approaches.
- Confirmation of the hosting lineup alongside potential changes to It Takes Two and related programming, plus any accompanying live-event or promotional appearances.
If you’d like, I can:
- Compile a concise list of the strongest rumored candidates with odds where available.
- Monitor the BBC’s announcements and summarize the official details as soon as they’re released.
- Create a quick timeline of key events in the hosting shake-up with citations.