A FORMER Strictly Come Dancing show professional has backed a BBC presenter to take over the show hosting role after the current season wraps.
The Traitors presenter Claudia, 53, alongside her Strictly sidekick Tess Daly, 56, announced their plans to step down from their iconic BBC telly role last month.
Since their bombshell news, a list of stars in line to replace the duo has come to light, including 2025 celeb star La Voix – who begged for the job live on air – and former dancer Kevin Clifton.
Now Gleb Savchenko, who appeared for one Strictly series in 2015 before heading Stateside for Dancing With The Stars, has called on his former celebrity partner Anita Rani, 48, to bag the role.
He reached the semi final with the Countryfile presenter, who is currently starring on Celebrity Race Across The World.
In a chat with Covers, Gleb urged: “Put Anti Rani as the host!
“She’s funny and cool, a good person.
“Look, I love Tess and Claudia. I was only on for one season but Claudia is so funny.
“They’re also part of the brand – again, I’m not a producer, and there’s higher powers who could be changing whatever they need to be changing in order to keep the show going, so I don’t know.
“I think they’re both great, but let’s see who will be the next host.”
Gleb then threw his hat in the ring to be a fresh “guest judge” before he suggested other BBC One show alum should also return.
He added: “Strictly could do the same thing – bring back James Jordan!
“He’ll be unhinged, telling what it is, he’ll be, ‘Yo, you didn’t straighten that leg.’
“He’s got a great personality, the guy has danced all of his life, so he knows exactly what he’s talking about.
“Brendan Cole also – bring him back.
“Give an opportunity for an ex-pro to be a judge and let’s hear what they have to say. I’m not saying the judges aren’t doing a great job.
All your Strictly Come Dancing winners
Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
“Listen, everyone who is a judge on Strictly is killing it – but put a fifth judge in between Shirley and Motsi, then let them say their opinion.”
HUGE CHANGE
Last month, Claudia and Tess got teary as they opened the first show since announcing they were quitting at the end of the series.
It came after The Sun revealed the real reason behind Tess and Claud’s shock departure.
BBC bosses are said to have been blindsided by their departure, with only a small number of people in the TV industry made aware of their intentions.
It’s understood they secretly filmed the exit video weeks ago — and released it mid-series so as not to overshadow the eventual winner.
Their last show will be on Christmas Day.
A source said: “Claudia and Tess have known they were leaving Strictly since last year. They felt like it was their time to go.
“They discussed this privately and agreed they would walk away together, but kept it firmly under wraps.”
Their exit comes after the BBC show was hit by a string of recent scandals involving its professional dancers and behind-the-scenes conduct.
Plummeting viewing figures and “underwhelming” line-ups even prompted betting giants to offer odds earlier this year on this being the show’s final outing.
EXIT STATEMENTS
In a statement to her fans, Tess said it was “time to say goodbye” and described Strictly as “about joy, celebration, and bringing people together”.
Tess also paid tribute to her co-host, adding: “To my beloved Claud – what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you.
“You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared.”
Claudia called the show “the greatest relationship of my career”.
She said: “Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake-tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it.
“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go.”
She also remembered legendary judge Len Goodman, saying: “I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know.)
“And the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.
She praised Tess, adding: “As for Tess – I’m so, so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”
