Angela Scanlon has foxtrotted to the front of the running to host Strictly Come Dancing, following top-secret tryouts throughout last week as the BBC seeks to replace departing presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Scanlon, 42, impressed producers at the filmed auditions for the Saturday night TV show, which is the BBC's crown jewel. Celebrities on the shortlist to replace Winkleman and Daly include Tom Allen, Bradley Walsh, La Voix, Alex Jones, Emma Willis, Rylan Clark, and Zoe Ball.
According to a source, after several days of auditions, four clear front-runners emerged: Angela Scanlon, Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, and Zoe Ball. This development is unfortunate for in-demand Bradley Walsh, who has previously secured numerous showbiz roles including The Chase, Gladiators, and Blankety Blank. Notably absent from the auditions was Paddy McGuinness, formerly of Top Gear and A Question Of Sport, who had been linked with the vacant presenting spots.
The celebrities tried out in various combinations. Rylan worked well with all three leading female candidates, while the pairing of Zoe Ball and Angela Scanlon was reportedly less successful. However, Ball performed well alongside Emma Willis.
The BBC must make a decision soon, as rehearsals for the next series are scheduled to begin at the end of August, with filming from September to December. A BBC spokesperson stated: 'Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.'
The show is undergoing significant changes, seeking a fresh look after two years of damaging scandals. There has been a major shake-up among the professional dancers, with Nadiya Bychkova and Gorka Marquez among those departing. Shirley Ballas, the head judge, is confirmed to return.
As previously reported, Strictly is undergoing a TikTok-inspired makeover, with bosses mindful of how the short-form social media platform revolutionised the US version, Dancing With The Stars. Celebrities and dancers will be selected partly for their ability to connect on TikTok, and there may be tweaks to the format. While a two-woman pairing remains likely, the BBC might opt for three presenters, with one filming TikTok-friendly content from the rehearsal rooms at Elstree.
An insider commented: 'Angela was the surprise hit – she did really well. The BBC said this had to be all about chemistry between the presenters and their ability to react to live comments and situations – and she shone. She was good with everyone except Zoe. And Rylan was good with everyone.' Rylan and Emma Willis have proven chemistry from their time working together on Big Brother and This Morning.
Candidates have reportedly been required to sign non-disclosure agreements to keep audition details confidential. Scanlon, who participated in Strictly in 2023 and finished sixth with partner Carlos Gu, has a varied career including radio presenting, documentary making, and hosting home improvement and fashion shows. She lives in North London with her husband and two daughters.
