Strictly Come Dancing's reigning professional champion, Carlos Gu, has exclusively revealed his preferred candidate to take over hosting duties following the unexpected departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly from the BBC's flagship dance competition.
Strictly Faces Major Presenting Shake-Up
The beloved BBC dance show enters uncharted territory after the sudden exit of its long-standing presenting duo, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure following the most recent series. Their exit has created one of the most coveted presenting vacancies in British television, sparking widespread speculation about potential replacements.
Carlos Gu, who triumphed in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 alongside his celebrity partner Karen Carney, has now entered the debate with a clear recommendation. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror at the prestigious TV Choice Awards red carpet event in London, the Chinese dancer and choreographer revealed his top choice for the vacant role.
Carlos Gu's Ideal Candidate Revealed
"Emma Willis would be a great host for Strictly," Carlos declared emphatically. "She is actually a huge fan of the show as well."
Willis, best known for presenting The Circle and her extensive television work, has previously expressed her enthusiasm for Strictly Come Dancing. In past interviews, she admitted she would participate "in a heartbeat" if circumstances allowed, though she acknowledged the daunting prospect of performing before millions of viewers as a non-professional dancer.
The television personality has spoken candidly about the challenges she would face, telling the Daily Star: "To be standing there, with millions of people watching you before your first dance – and you're not a natural dancer but you've got to suddenly have rhythm... that would be terrifying."
Competition for Coveted Role Intensifies
Emma Willis joins a growing list of potential candidates being considered for the prestigious presenting position. Other names circulating within industry circles include:
- Rylan Clark
- Alison Hammond
- Zoe Ball
- Christine Lampard
The selection process has attracted significant attention, with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke recently sharing insights about what producers might be seeking. In January, Du Beke revealed that BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips had suggested the corporation would likely prefer "somebody who has a connection with the show."
Du Beke also reflected on his own experience with the show's selection processes, recalling how he was initially rejected for his current judging role before eventually joining the panel. His comments suggest that while there may be formal selection procedures, established television personalities might bypass certain traditional audition elements.
What Makes Emma Willis a Strong Contender?
Several factors position Emma Willis as a compelling candidate for the Strictly Come Dancing hosting role:
- Established Television Presence: With extensive presenting experience across multiple formats, Willis brings proven broadcast skills to the table.
- Genuine Show Enthusiasm: Her publicly expressed love for Strictly Come Dancing demonstrates authentic engagement with the programme.
- Broad Audience Appeal: Willis has demonstrated her ability to connect with diverse viewer demographics throughout her career.
- Professional Endorsement: Support from within the Strictly family, including from reigning champion Carlos Gu, strengthens her candidacy.
As speculation continues to build about who will ultimately fill the significant void left by Daly and Winkleman, Carlos Gu's endorsement adds considerable weight to Emma Willis's prospects. The BBC faces a crucial decision that will shape the future presentation of one of its most successful entertainment franchises.
