The BBC has officially confirmed that the search for new Strictly Come Dancing hosts will be put on hold until the New Year, following the announced departures of the show's beloved presenting duo.
An Inbox Inundated with Interest
BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips provided the update, revealing that her inbox has been flooded with requests from individuals eager to step into the iconic shoes of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Phillips described the presenting roles as "the best gigs in television", a fact evidently recognised by the many hopefuls who have already put their names forward for consideration.
Chemistry is the Key to Success
While the formal recruitment process is paused, the core challenge for the production team is already clear. Phillips stressed that finding presenters with strong, natural chemistry is paramount.
This is considered essential to successfully filling the dual hosting roles, a dynamic previously perfected by Claudia and Tess which became a cornerstone of the show's format and appeal.
Focus Remains on the Current Series
The primary reason for the delay is the production team's current focus on the ongoing series of the hit ballroom competition. The announcement that Winkleman and Daly would be stepping down after the current series was made back in October, sending waves through the show's dedicated fanbase.
By postponing the formal search until January 2026, the BBC ensures that the finale of this era receives the undivided attention it deserves, before the hunt for a new generation of hosts begins in earnest.
