Strictly Come Dancing Seeks New Hosts Following Departure of Longtime Presenters
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Published: 02:51, 12 March 2026 | Updated: 06:21, 12 March 2026
The producers of Strictly Come Dancing are on the lookout for new co-hosts to succeed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, both of whom exited the beloved series after the last season, which saw former England footballer Karen Carney crowned the champion.
Angela Scanlon, currently a presenter on BBC’s The One Show, has emerged as a strong candidate for one of the hosting roles. With a career on the program dating back to 2016, including recent stints as a filling host during Alex Jones’s absences, Scanlon’s professionalism has garnered significant praise. According to insiders, the production team appreciates her “regional charm” and her deep-rooted relationship with the BBC.
Daly and Winkleman had been a dynamic duo since 2014, captivating audiences with their chemistry. With their departure, several names have surfaced as potential replacements, including comedian Alan Carr, following his recent success on The Traitors. However, sources indicate that Scanlon is increasingly seen as the frontrunner. Notably, she was also a contestant on the show in 2023, partnering with professional dancer Carlos Gu, who remains a key figure on the series.
An insider informed the Daily Mail, “Angela stands a good chance of landing one of the positions. The BBC values her regional accent, and she is considered a top-tier professional.” They further emphasized her popularity as a presenter on The One Show, which aligns with the network’s preferences for the role.
In the coming weeks, producers plan to conduct “chemistry tests” to evaluate potential host dynamics, likely scheduled after Easter. Observers believe that Scanlon’s engaging personality would provide a natural fit for the show.
“There have been numerous names thrown into the mix, some of which are unrealistic,” the source continued. “For Angela, it would be a perfect opportunity. While she may not be a household name yet, she has the potential to grow into the role.”
In recent meetings, Strictly executives have expressed an interest in including hosts with distinctive regional accents, a characteristic that Scanlon, hailing from County Meath, Ireland, embodies.
Scanlon, who previously worked as a magazine journalist, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity in December: “I have always been such a fan of the show, and I would definitely answer the call if it came.”
Other contenders for the roles include Alex Jones, although the duo’s chemistry on The One Show has raised concerns about their potential pairing. Zoe Ball, a former host of Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two, is also rumored to be in contention.
In an interesting twist, producers are contemplating the inclusion of a male presenter, a first for the series since the late Bruce Forsyth, who hosted Strictly Come Dancing for nearly a decade until his departure in 2013. The next series is expected to kick off in the autumn, and the search for new hosts is a crucial aspect of the show’s evolution.
Source: Original Source
