New details of Tess and Claudia’s Strictly replacements revealed – including big twist

We have an update on the BBC’s search for the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts – and there could be a major surprise ahead.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman famously bowed out of presenting duties in December, having decided it was the ‘right time’ to leave together after two decades as part of the Strictly family.

Speculation has been rife for months about who will step into their shoes, with some of the biggest names in British television said to be in the running.

But in the latest reports, it’s been claimed that we might not even have just two hosts after all… There could be three.

Strictly has always been fronted by a duo, firstly by Tess and the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, with Claudia succeeding him and moving across from spin-off show It Takes Two in 2014.

Now, though, apparently, ‘nothing is off the table’ as discussions continue around the 2026 season.

As per The Sun and in keeping with earlier reports, The One Show’s Alex Jones is still the ‘frontrunner’ for the primetime gig.

‘Alex is still very much the BBC’s favourite to land a hosting spot,’ said a source. 

‘The Beeb loves her and thinks she’d be perfect to take on Tess’s role on the floor.’

Interestingly, they added: ‘Talk recently has turned to whether they could bring in a third host to really freshen it up.’

‘Nothing is off the table when it comes to sprinkling new magic over Strictly.’

Strictly bosses previously had a ‘golden 10’ shortlist for the possible new hosts, which has now been whittled down to a ‘magnificent seven’.

Along with Welsh broadcaster Alex, they are: Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Angela Scanlon, Emma Willis, and Fleur East.

Zoe, in particular, has already expressed her willingness to become a host, fuelling rumours even more when she quit her BBC Radio 2 show recently, creating a huge opening in her diary.

Speaking to The Times in January, Zoe revealed that the Strictly job is ‘all anyone talks to [her] about’, but she would ‘love’ to do it.

She added: ‘Obviously, there’s part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts it.’

Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, and Alan Carr have already ruled themselves out, having appeared on the original shortlist.

The Chase legend Bradley Walsh had also previously been a contender to form a new presenting partnership with Alex.

But now, higher-ups appear to be directing their attention to stars of a different kind, such as former X Factor contestant and Strictly finalist Fleur East, who already hosts It Takes Two alongside Janette Manrara.

Bake Off comedian Mel Giedroyc’s name has been thrown out before, too, with suggestions that she could take over from Claudia upstairs in the chaotic Claudatorium.

Furthermore, it was claimed that screen and ‘chemistry’ tests for candidates were taking place in January. These have now been pushed back and will happen in April.

However, while we all wait with bated breath for an official announcement, we might have to be a little more patient, as ‘it’s likely a decision on whether it’s two hosts or three, and who will get the roles, won’t be decided until summer.’

‘The BBC are making a lot of changes to the pro dancer lineup, and now that is out of the way, they can get to work on who is the best fit,’ added the insider.

Indeed, it’s all change at Strictly ahead of its return to screens in autumn, as it’s been claimed that several fan-favourite professionals have been axed.

Allegedly, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas have been dropped, as well as a ‘distraught’ Nadiya Bychkova and longest-serving pro Karen Hauer.

It’s also been said that while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will have their contracts renewed, they’re set to be ‘benched’ this year, meaning they will not receive a celebrity partner.

Neil and Nancy may, however, still feature in the group numbers, although the same cannot be said for Gorka, Luba, Michelle, Nadiya, and Karen, who have been given the chop entirely.

According to TV sources, Strictly execs want a total ‘fresh start’ after a string of scandals and negative press attention surrounding bullying investigations, drug use probes, and more, hence the controversial decisions.

‘There are major changes taking place, with dancers having meetings about their contracts over the next few weeks,’ it’s been said.

‘Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years, and create a new era.’

Longtime viewers have been vocal about their opinions on the shakeup over the past week. While some insist the format needs a change, others are raging that popular dancers won’t be returning.

When contacted for a comment, a BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.’

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