Strictly Come Dancing’s It Takes Two host Janette Manrara has been tipped by fans to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after their final show tonight

Janette Manrara has addressed speculation she could step into the shoes of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

Janette Manrara has responded to rumours she is replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer, who joined the programme in 2013 and currently presents companion show It Takes Two, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the finale – and faced questioning about her future plans.

With the rumour mill churning on who is to replace Tess and Claudia as they hand over the reigns, some attention has fallen on spin-off presenter Janette given her links to the show.

Fans have tipped Janette as a frontrunner to replace Tess and Claudia

Tess and Claudia are presenting their final show tonight(Image: PA)

From the BBC Breakfast studio, Janette paid tribute to the duo before presenter Naga Munchetty questioned whether “she’d thrown her dancing shoes in the ring” for the hosting role.

“That is like the golden ticket to Willy Wonka, you know?” she replied. “Nobody knows. Nobody knows what’s happening.

“I think right now, all I do know is that all of our producers, the incredible exec, Sarah James, they’re really, really focusing on this series, on these contestants, giving a proper goodbye to Tess and Claudia, and for the finalists to just have the best, best night.”

Janette went on: “I will say that. Who doesn’t want that job? It’s the best job if you work in entertainment, if you love warm, happy, family, fun, entertainment. I think it’s the best job in the world that anybody would love to have.”

When co-presenter Charlie Stayt pressed her to confirm whether she fancied the role or not, Janette laughed that he was “putting words in her mouth” and she could “see what he’s doing”.

“I’m not saying I don’t want the job,” she playfully responded. “It is the dream, you know, to do that, but It Takes Two has been so good to me. I have to say, as a professional dancer on the show, it’s so hard to go off and do other things, and the fact that I’ve been given the opportunity as a professional dancer to now go and host It Takes Two, and of course Morning Live, is really phenomenal.

“I kind of still pinch myself that it happened. So if I get it, the party will be big!” she added, refusing to rule out the idea.

This evening, Janette and the remaining Strictly crew will be making their way to the Elstree Studios one final time to discover who will be claiming the coveted glitterball trophy as champion of the 2025 series.

Football ace Karen Carney, Love Island and West End sensation Amber Davies, and internet personality and podcaster George Clarke will be battling for the win. The contestants will perform three final routines. They will each re-perform two previous dances – one selected by them and one by the judges – as well as a final, showstopping dance to win over those crucial votes.

The winner will be announced live by Tess and Claudia.