Tess and Claudia's Strictly replacement 'sealed' with 'latest TV darling' as frontrunner

Strictly Come Dancing fans are eager to know who will be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the hosts of the BBC dancing competition following their shock exit news in recent weeks. Tess has been a lead presenter since the show first aired on screens in 2004, and she has hosted alongside Claudia since 2011, who took over from Sir Bruce Forsyth. Their decision to step down sent shockwaves across the celebrity world, and the bookies have shared the latest odds on who might try and fill their shoes.

Dave James, spokesman for What Are The Odds said: "Alan Carr is being strongly tipped to take over as one of the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing after his emotional victory on The Celebrity Traitors. Bookmakers have priced the comedian at 2/1 to join the hit BBC show, giving him a 33 per cent chance of stepping into the presenting role left vacant by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

"The 49-year-old has become the nation's latest TV darling following his dramatic win on The Celebrity Traitors, which drew more than 10 million viewers on Sunday night.

"Carr broke down in tears as he was crowned winner and revealed he would donate his entire £87,500 prize to the children's charity Neuroblastoma UK, saying the money would change lives."

His triumph on the popular reality show, also hosted by Claudia, has reportedly caught the attention of BBC bosses, who see him as the perfect fit to bring his trademark warmth and humour to Strictly Come Dancing next year.

The spokesperson concluded: "Carr's odds of 2/1 to become the next Strictly presenter make him one of the front-runners for the job, ahead of other potential TV appearances.

"Bookmakers have also listed odds of 6/4 (40 per cent chance) on Alan Carr: Chatty Man returning, 3/1 (25 per cent) for a stint in the I'm A Celebrity jungle in 2026, 5/1 (17 per cent) for Celebrity Big Brother, and 6/1 (14 per cent) for Celebrity Race Across the World."

Other names that have been thrown into the mix as replacements for Tess and Claudia include Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, Anton Du Beke, and Holly Willoughby. Tess and Claudia's final episode will air on Christmas Day.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer tomorrow evening.