Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh Favoured as Strictly Hosts Leave

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will step down as co‑hosts of Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the current series. The BBC is conducting a high‑profile search for replacements, with insiders reportedly naming Alex Jones and Bradley Walsh as favourites and saying talks are progressing positively. Holly Willoughby has also been floated as a possible replacement after a leak attributed to ex‑BBC director Peter Fincham’s hairdresser, a claim that has divided fans. Other names under consideration include Fleur East, Janette Manrara, Rylan Clark, Oti Mabuse and Zoe Ball, and reports say the show may get a light revamp while keeping its core elements. Claudia Winkleman is reportedly lined up for a BBC chat show to be filmed after her final Strictly appearance and expected to air next year; the BBC has not confirmed any appointments and says announcements about the 2026 series will be made in due course.