The Former It Takes Two Star Joins Forces with a Surprise Co-Host in a Move That’s Already Dividing Fans – “This Is the Fresh Start the Show Needs”

 The BBC has dropped a bombshell that’s set the entertainment world ablaze: Rylan Clark is taking over as host of Strictly Come Dancing following the sudden exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The announcement, made during Friday’s The One Show, confirms the 37-year-old broadcaster – a fan-favorite from his three years fronting the spin-off It Takes Two – will step into the iconic role starting with the 2026 series, joining a yet-to-be-revealed co-host in a duo designed to inject “youthful energy and authenticity” into the Glitterball. “Rylan’s the perfect fit – charismatic, relatable, and utterly devoted to the show,” BBC entertainment chief Charlotte Moore said. “He’s got the sparkle to carry Strictly forward.” But with fans still reeling from Tess and Claudia’s October departure after 21 years, the news is already dividing opinions: excitement for a fresh era or heartbreak over losing the “dream team”?

Clark’s appointment feels like destiny. The Essex native, who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2012 and charmed audiences as It Takes Two‘s host from 2019 to 2022, has been vocal about his Strictly love. “It’s the highlight of my TV life – the glamour, the glitter, the sheer joy,” he gushed on Loose Women last month. His co-host remains a mystery, but speculation runs wild: Janette Manrara (current It Takes Two presenter), Oti Mabuse (2020 finalist and commentator), or even Alan Carr for a comedic twist. “Whoever it is, they’ll need to match Rylan’s vibe – warm, wicked, and wildly entertaining,” Moore teased.

Tess and Claudia’s joint exit, announced in a tearful video on October 23, cited “going out at the top” after 21 years and 20 series. “We’ve loved every second – the dances, the drama, the dresses,” they said, their final appearance the Christmas special. The move, amid the show’s 2024 bullying scandals (Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima’s departures), prompted an outpouring: #ThankYouTessAndClaudia with 2.8 million posts. Rylan’s cheeky comment under Claudia’s farewell – “Shoes as big as the fringe to fill!” – went viral with 1.2 million likes, positioning him as the heir apparent.

Fans are split. Supporters cheer: “Rylan’s the breath of fresh air Strictly needs – he’s family!” tweeted one with 45k likes. Critics lament: “No one replaces Tess and Claudia – this feels like a downgrade.” Betting odds have Rylan at 1/3 to succeed, with Manrara 5/1 for co-host.

Clark, openly gay and a mental health advocate, brings inclusivity to the role. “Strictly’s about celebration – all shapes, sizes, stories,” he said. His It Takes Two tenure – interviewing pros, hosting red carpet – made him a natural.

As 2026 looms, one truth shines: Rylan Clark isn’t filling shoes – he’s dancing in them. The Glitterball’s new era? It’s sparkling already.