The long-running duo, who have fronted the ballroom series together since 2014, announced their emotional departure in a tearful video message to fans last month — leaving viewers stunned and sparking one of the biggest presenter shake-ups in recent BBC history.
The iconic female duo, who have fronted the show together since 2014, announced their departure in an emotional social media video to fans last month (pictured on Saturday night)
Tess Daly fashion
Bradley is one of the biggest names in TV, hosting iconic quiz show The Chase as well as the reboot of BBC’s Gladiators with his son Barney (pictured)
Now insiders claim that The Chase presenter, 65, is among the top names in the running, with producers reportedly seeing him as a “natural heir” to the late Sir Bruce Forsyth’s classic showbiz charm.
“Bradley is a real pro,” a source told The Sun. “He has brilliant live-hosting experience, quick wit, and that old-school sparkle viewers love. Execs think he’d be fantastic.”
Claudia Winkleman style
Earlier this week Zoe became the first major name to declare her interest in taking over presenting Strictly
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A Familiar Face, A Fresh Era
If selected, Walsh would likely co-host with one of several leading female contenders — including former Strictly pro Oti Mabuse (35) or former contestant and It Takes Two host Fleur East (38), both of whom are reportedly “frontrunners.”
“Of course, it’ll be a duo,” the insider added. “Oti and Fleur both have charisma and strong Strictly connections. Pairing either with Bradley would be TV gold.”
BBC representatives declined to comment on the speculation, while Bradley’s own team has yet to respond.
Still, the rumours make sense: Walsh is one of the most recognisable faces on British television — hosting The Chase, Blankety Blank, and the BBC’s reboot of Gladiators alongside his son Barney.
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Rising Competition in the Presenter Race
Other names being tossed into the mix include Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, It Takes Two alumni Rylan Clark, and Zoe Ball, who has now officially declared her interest in taking over the Saturday-night slot.
The 54-year-old radio and TV host opened up on her Dig It podcast with fellow broadcaster Jo Whiley, admitting:
“I thought it was such a shocker — we were all like, what?! My phone wouldn’t stop pinging. Everyone was saying, ‘Did you know this was happening?’ I didn’t!”
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Zoe, who previously fronted It Takes Two from 2011 to 2021 and competed in Strictly herself back in 2005 (famously finishing runner-up with Ian Waite), admitted that she’d love to step into the hosting role.
“It’s the dream gig,” she said. “Strictly brings so much joy to people — whoever gets it will have the best job in the world.”
She admitted the role would be ‘amazing’ – just two months after questioning her decision to quit her £950,000 Radio 2 Breakfast Show
“A Tough Act to Follow”
Zoe also paid tribute to Tess and Claudia, calling them “a tough act to follow.”
Claudia Winkleman style
“I think they’re both fabulous — absolute icons of the show,” she said warmly. “They’ve made Strictly what it is.”
Tess Daly has been a fixture on the show since its launch in 2004, while Claudia Winkleman joined the main series a decade later after hosting the companion show It Takes Two between 2004 and 2010. Together, they became one of British TV’s most beloved presenting duos.
A Star-Studded Shortlist — But One Clear Favourite
From fan-favourite Oti Mabuse to golden-boy Bradley Walsh, the rumour mill keeps spinning. Yet industry insiders insist there’s a clear frontrunner:
“Bradley ticks every box — experience, humour, heart, and that unmistakable charm. Viewers already adore him.”
Still, with BBC keeping silent and every major host from Rylan Clark to Zoe Ball expressing interest, the nation’s biggest guessing game has only just begun.
Whoever lands the gig will inherit one of the most glamorous — and high-pressure — roles on British television.
