THE rumour mill has officially gone into overdrive over who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing after they both sensationally quit the show.
The pair, who hosted the show together since 2004, shared individual statements on social media yesterday to announce their departures.
It’s now been revealed that Holly Willoughby is the leading the race to replace the pair after reportedly being on BBC Bosses wish list for two years, according to Mail Online.
The mum-of-three is said to be in good standing with the BBC’s most senior executives because of her husband Dan Baldwin, who produces shows including The Wheel and Gladiators for them.
Reportedly, the broadcaster wants to bring Holly together with Bradley Walsh.
The pair did a pilot for a show called Take Off With Holly & Bradley back in 2019, it was commissioned but never made because of Covid.
A TV insider said: “This would be the ideal way to get them together. Bradley is about as close as you can get to Brucie these days.”
Holly left This Morning in October 2023 after 14 years of fronting the show.
After taking some time off, she returned to our television screens in January 2024 on Dancing on Ice.
She also hosted Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls, which aired on the platform earlier this year.
However, both series were cancelled leaving Holly without a show for the first time in 20 years.
Holly also quit You Bet! on ITV after one series, leaving pal Stephen Mulhern to front the show on his own.
The news of Holly being a frontrunner to take on Strictly comes after The Sun reported that she’s planning her big television comeback.
A source close to the star said in September that her failure to bounce back in big roles after a telly break initially put pressure on her relationship with husband Dan as he flourished professionally.
The source said: “Anyone who has written Holly off has another thing coming.
“She’s never been more determined. The next move is going to be spectacular, and Dan is her secret weapon.
Who is line to replace Tess and Claudia?
Who could replace the pair according to bookies?
Holly Willoughby – 2/1
Zoe Ball – 2/1
Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton – 2/1
Roman Kemp – 3/1
Alex Scott – 4/1
Fleur East – 5/1
Rylan Clark – 5/1
Janette Manrara – 6/1
Alan Carr – 6/1
Stacey Solomon – 7/1
Maya Jama – 8/1
Emma Willis – 10/1
AJ Odudu – 10/1
“She and Dan both know she has what it takes to go solo in a primetime evening slot, and they plan to make her the biggest female presenter in the UK again. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with.
“Plans are in early stages, but they are quietly sounding out friends from the TV, film and music industry to get them onboard for a potential new primetime show fronted by Holly.”
The former Dancing On Ice host is said to have contacted pals Emma Bunton and Christine Lampard “under the radar” for advice — and to see if they would potentially support a new project.
Tess and Claudia revealed yesterday that they will be stepping down as hosts of the BBC One show.
In her statement, 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.
Meanwhile, The Traitors presenter Claudia expressed in her own statement: “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.”
