Speculation as to who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing has been mounting for months.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped away from Strictly in December

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped away from Strictly in December (Image: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly “eyeing up” former Great British Bake Off star Mel Giedroyc to replace Claudia Winkleman on the BBC dance series. Claudia, who also hosts The Traitors, stepped down from her Strictly role alongside co-host Tess Daly in December following more than a decade in the position. According to reports, the BBC is looking for a host with a “gentle touch” who can “relieve tension” while presenting the Clauditorium segment. “The Clauditorium is the section where the dancers go to receive their scores from the judges and decompress after their routines,” a source told The Sun.

Mel Giedroyc could replace Claudia, according to reports
Mel Giedroyc could replace Claudia, according to reports (Image: Getty)
“So it needs to be hosted by someone with a gentle touch, who can use humour to relieve the tension. Mel is seen as a great swap for Claudia as they’re both smart, funny, and have a reputation within the TV world for being easy to work with.”

Express.co.uk has contacted Mel’s representative for comment.

Mel has also previously hosted the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour and competed in the show’s Christmas Special back in 2021 when she was partnered with long-time professional Neil Jones.

Over the weekend, The Sun on Sunday revealed that Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are in a race to be the new Tess, while bosses “want a female comedian” to step into Claudia’s shoes.

However, the BBC has remained tight-lipped on the appointments, with a spokesperson saying: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.”

Tess and Claudia announced they’d be leaving the programme in a joint Instagram video back in October, which sent shockwaves through the showbiz world.

Tess has been at the helm of the programme since its inception in May 2004, having been the original host alongside the late Bruce Forsyth.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year on a date yet to be confirmed.