Potential Hosts for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
A former contestant on Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly one of the four frontrunners to host the 2026 series following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The search for their replacement has been ongoing since they left at the end of the latest season, with several names being considered as potential candidates.
After a week of filmed auditions, Irish presenter Angela Scanlon is said to have impressed the BBC, becoming a “surprise hit.” According to reports, the other TV stars in the running are Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, and Zoe Ball, who is currently the strong favourite.
“Angela did really well,” a source told the outlet. “The BBC said that this had to be all about the chemistry between the presenters and their ability to react to live comments and situations – and she shone.”
Angela Scanlon’s Journey
Angela Scanlon, a former One Show host and BBC radio DJ, was a contestant on the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in sixth place with dance partner Carlos Gu. She currently presents the Apprentice aftershow You’re Fired and has just been announced as Scott Mills’s replacement on this year’s Eurovision coverage.
The latest report appears to officially rule out other names that have been bandied about, including Bradley Walsh and Alison Hammond. Meanwhile, Zoe Ball has been considered a clear favourite. Earlier this month, she teased she had something “glamorous” coming up, stating: “Obviously at the moment I can’t say anything about it.”
BBC’s Response and Future Plans
The BBC told The Independent that plans for Strictly 2026 will be announced in due course, with preparations for the series already underway. Ball said in January that she would “love” to host the show, but added that she had not spoken to the show’s bosses. “I will still be watching, whoever hosts,” she said, adding that Alan Carr, Amanda Holden, Vernon Kay, and Clark could be strong replacements.
Changes to the Professionals Cast
Strictly Come Dancing will look a little different this year, following a shake-up of the professionals cast. Gorka Marquez announced this week he had left the show after 10 years, which followed the exits of Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
It’s also been claimed that the companion show It Takes Two will be refreshed to reflect changing audiences, much in the same way as happened with The Traitors: Uncloaked and The Apprentice: You’re Fired. According to reports, the series will become a vodcast, meaning the hosts will film episodes for viewers and also record them for podcast listeners.
Clarification from the BBC
It has also been claimed that Janette Manrara and Fleur East will no longer present the show, but the BBC told The Independent last month: “It is factually incorrect to claim that either has been axed.”
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