BBC bosses are reportedly keen to stick to an all-female hosting duo for Strictly Come Dancing to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Winkleman, 54, and Daly, 56, who have fronted the dance competition together since 2014, announced their departure in an emotional video on Thursday.
Several high-profile names have already been put forward for the next series in 2026, including past winners Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, Fleur East, Janette Manrara, and Roman Kemp.
Sources have now claimed the BBC could choose two more female hosts as the broadcaster “values the symbolism of an all-female presenting team”.
“What is more certain is the fact that execs are expected to opt for two more women, because the Beeb value the symbolism of an all-female presenting team on their biggest Saturday night show,” an insider told The Sun.
“But one element likely to play a big part is diversity because, as terrific as it is having two women hosting Strictly, they are also two middle-aged white people.”
Winkleman and Daly reportedly told bosses about their decision to leave last November.
A source said: “It’s incredible they’ve managed to keep it a secret for so long. Only the top brass at the BBC knew, along with their immediate family.”
The Standard has contacted the BBC for comment.
Winkleman and Daly announced they will step down from Strictly after 21 years in a joint statement on Instagram.
Daly has fronted Strictly since it launched in 2004 with Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Winkleman became her full-time co-host in 2014 after first hosting the spin-off series the year it began.
“There have been some rumblings, and we want you to hear this from us,” Winkleman said in a video shared to their social media accounts on Thursday.
Daly continued: “We have news after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.
“It’s been a huge part of our lives, hasn’t it? Since our children were literally babies in arms, and now they’re young adults, and I think genuinely, we have cherished every second.”
Winkleman said: “We’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show, and we just want to thank the Strictly team, because Strictly is the people who make it. So thank you.”
Several famous faces are already being touted as strong contenders to replace the iconic hosting duo.
Celebrity couple and Strictly winners Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton have been put forward thanks to their combined background of professional dancing and television presenting.
Another Strictly professional in the mix is Janette Manrara.
According to What Are The Odds, she is the favourite with her odds also being placed at 2/1 alongside Fleur East.
Roman Kemp could also land the top presenting gig, with his odds being placed at 6/4 by Ladbrokes and 3/1 by Casino Beats.
The One Show presenter actually hasn’t competed on Strictly, and has in fact reportedly turned down a chance to appear on the show.
Meanwhile, TV presenting heavyweight Ryan Clark’s odds of landing the role are around 3/1, according to Ladbrokes.
