New Host Contender for Strictly Come Dancing
As the search for the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing intensifies, one name has emerged as a surprising favorite. Comedian Josh Widdicombe is now being considered as a strong contender for the role, following the decision by long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to step down after the last series.
Over the past few weeks, several names have been in the running, including Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Tom Allen, Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh, Alison Hammond, and La Voix, who became a fan favorite in the previous season. Recently, Zoe Ball and Angela Scanlon were thought to be the frontrunners, with fans believing they would be announced as the new presenting duo.
However, it seems that Josh Widdicombe might have changed the game. A source recently told The Sun that he “blew the producers away” with his dead-pan, witty banter. The insider added that he is family-friendly, having hosted several shows, and has a deep love for Strictly. If chosen, he would be the first male host since Sir Bruce Forsyth, who hosted the show from 2004 to 2013 alongside Tess Daly.
A Potential New Era for Strictly Come Dancing
Bosses are reportedly considering Widdicombe as the ideal candidate to lead the show into a new era, especially after recent controversies that have affected the program. His experience as a stand-up comedian has prepared him for live audiences, and his sharp wit could bring a fresh dynamic to the show.
Widdicombe also competed in the 2024 Christmas special with professional partner Karen Hauer. He performed a festive-themed Charleston as penguins to “Let It Snow.” At the time, he humorously expressed his fears about the performance, saying, “I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I’m going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation. Why have I done this?” Despite his nerves, he delivered a charming and fun performance that was well-received by the audience.
Karen Hauer, who previously competed with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, has since announced her exit from the show, along with other professionals such as Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, and Nadiya Bychkova. Gorka Márquez also confirmed his departure after ten years to take on a full-time judging role on Dancing with the Stars Spain.
Returning Pros and Exciting Updates
Despite the changes, several professional dancers are set to return, including Katya Jones, Neil Jones, and Nancy Xu. The BBC has stated that additions to the pro line-up will be announced closer to the autumn broadcast. This development has excited fans, who are eagerly awaiting the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.
Meanwhile, fans have been actively trying to uncover the identities of the new hosts. In a recent Strictly Instagram post sharing details of the returning judging panel and professional dancers, several ballroom fixtures commented on the news. Zoe Ball and Angela Scanlon were among those who celebrated the announcement, with Ball writing, “Boom boom boom ❤️,” and Scanlon commenting, “WHAT. A. CREW.”
Fans have also been discussing the news on the main Strictly Reddit page, with some noting that only a few of the rumored candidates have commented on the post. One fan wrote, “I noticed that they are the only ones from the rumoured 10 to be commenting on the post. Correct me if I am wrong. My dream duo.”
Rumors and Possible Candidates
Zoe Ball, who previously hosted the spin-off show It Takes Two from 2011 to 2021, has been following all the judges and returning pros on Instagram. This includes the two newest pros, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who joined the show in 2025. Interestingly, they do not follow Zoe back, which some have seen as a promising sign.
In another twist, Bradley Walsh, who had been one of the reported frontrunners for the host role, has seemingly stepped back from the race. He recently announced the autumn dates for his 2026 Prat Pack tour, which could clash with commitments at Elstree Studios in September.
Final Thoughts on the Presenters’ Departure
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman made their surprise decision to quit Strictly via a joint statement mid-series in October. They said: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.”
Claudia joined Tess as co-host of the main show in 2014. The pair’s departure marks the end of an era for the show, and fans are eager to see who will take over the reins.
Stay Updated on Strictly Come Dancing
If you’re a fan of Strictly Come Dancing, there are several ways to stay updated. You can sign up for the TV newsletter to receive personalized updates on your favorite shows. Additionally, you can follow the latest news on social media platforms or join discussions on forums like Reddit.
For those interested in sharing stories or submitting content, the co.uk entertainment team can be reached via email, phone, or their Submit Stuff page. Whether you have celebrity news, videos, or pictures, they welcome your contributions.
Stay tuned for more updates as the BBC finalizes the plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
