STRICTLY Come Dancing viewers have been left heartbroken after long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they’re leaving the show after the current series ends.
Both hosts took to Instagram to share lengthy statements as they thanked their fans and co-stars for their support over the years.
Tess has been a part of the hit BBC One show since it’s inception back in 2004, where she hosted the show with the late Bruce Forsyth.
Meanwhile, Claudia joined the main programme in 2010 after hosting spin-off It Takes Two since 2004.
Speculation is already at fever pitch on who will replace the much-loved hosts and fill their stilettos.
A number of names have already started doing the rounds, from former show stars to a Celebrity Traitors icon.
Here’s who could replace Tess and Claudia on the next series of Strictly…
Holly Willoughby
Holly has been a staple of our television screens for over two decades and is one of the most celebrated hosts in the country.
After Dancing On Ice was axed and Netflix decided not to do another series of Celebrity Bear Hunt, Holly is without a show on tv.
The Sun recently revealed she’s planning her television comeback so she could be a great replacement for Tess and Claudia.
She has bookies odds of 2/1 to host the next series.
Zoe Ball
Zoe took part on the show for the third series in 2005 and was partnered with Ian Waite.
The pair made it all the way to the final and came in third place.
She took over from Claudia on the sister-programme in 2011 and hosted the show for ten years before she announced her departure in 2021.
In 2014, Zoe stepped in to host the main show after Claudia’s daughter suffered serious burn injuries.
Bookies have currently given her odds of 2/1.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
The couple’s love-story began on Strictly when she appeared as a contestant for the sixteenth series in 2019.
The two were paired together and ended up going all the way to win the show.
They began dating shortly after the show finished and welcomed their baby girl in January 2023.
Presenter Stacey’s odds are 2/1 and considering the BBC are looking for two hosts, Kevin would be a great choice to join his ladylove.
Roman Kemp
After Tess and Claudia’s announcement, bookies have already tipped Roman to be a favourite to take over the hosting role.
The 32-year-old is a firm fixture on BBC One after joining the broadcaster in 2022 as a presenter on The One Show.
According to bookies, he currently has odds of 3/1 to join the show.
Alex Scott
Alex became the first female footballer to take part on the show for the 17th series in 2019.
She was partnered with Neil Jones and ended up coming in fifth place.
Alex is no stranger to working at the BBC, having worked on Match Of the Day Kickabout and The One Show.
Her odds stand at 4/1.
Fleur East
Fleur East is second in the running with bookies odds of 2/1.
She took part on the show for the twentieth series back in 2022 where she and partner Vito Coppola made it to the final as runners-up.
In 2023, she joined It Takes Two as a presenter alongside Janette Manrara so she’s very much a part of the Strictly family.
She has odds of 5/1 currently.
Rylan Clark
Another name that has been a part of the Strictly family is Rylan Clark.
He hosted It Takes Two before Fleur from 2019 to 2023 alongside Zoe Ball and then Janette.
His odds are at par with Fleur’s at 5/1.
Janette Manrara
Janette was a pro dancer on Strictly from 2013 until 2021 and on her final series, she came in second place with singer HRVY.
In 2021, she took over from Zoe Ball as host of It takes Two, which she currently hosts.
Her husband Aljaz Skorjanec is on the main show and is partnered with La Voix on the current series.
Her odds stand at 6/1.
Could Janette be getting a promotion and returning to the main show as host?
Alan Carr
Alan Carr is riding high off of the success of The Celebrity Traitors.
BBC viewers have been loving seeing his manipulative side, especially after he murdered his real-life pal Paloma Faith in plain sight.
He’s also no stranger to being on the channel thanks to his travel show with Amanda Holden.
Will Alan be bringing some cheer to Strictly?
Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon made the move from ITV to BBC back in 2021 with her lifestyle show, Sort Your Life Out.
She and husband Joe Swash’s reality show, Stacey and Joe aired on BBC One this year, with a second series just airing.
Stacey has odds of 7/1 as we speak.
Is she slowly becoming the face of the BBC and could she steal the job?
Maya Jama
Maya has seen her star rise over the last few years, with shows such as Love Island and The Masked Singer.
It’s been speculated that the host will be quitting Love Island, but she’s confirmed she’s returning for All Stars in January.
Love Island usually airs over Summer and All Stars at the beginning of the year, so neither could interfere if she decided to take on Strictly.
Maya’s odds are 8/1 according to bookies.
Emma Willis
Emma Willis is a mainstay on our television screens having hosted several television shows over the years including Big Brother and The Voice.
She also hosts Love Is Blind UK with husband Matt Willis.
Is Strictly calling for Emma?
Her odds are 10/1.
AJ Odudu
AJ appeared on Strictly in 2021 for the nineteenth series and was partnered with Kai Widdrington.
They were forced to withdraw from the show a day before the final due to an injury.
She’s currently hosting Big Brother with Will Best, but could AJ be making her grand return to Strictly?
Her odds are 10/1.
