Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have only just revealed that they are leaving Strictly Come Dancing but speculation over their replacements is already rife.
The current hosts, who have fronted the show together since 2014, announced their departure in an emotional social media video to fans on Thursday.
But names to replace the hosting duo are already being suggested, with Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby and Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton among the front runners.
Zoe’s hat has been thrown into the ring by Coral Bookmakers, who said she is the 2-1 favourite to take on the role after Tess and Claudia leave the show.
Following the shock announcement, Holly (2-1) and Roman Kemp (3-1) also emerged as early favourites to take over presenting duties, according to Casino Beats.
Meanwhile, former Strictly pro Janette Manara is 3-1 to be a host next year and Fleur East can be backed at 4-1, while Rylan Clark is 5-1.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have only just revealed that they are leaving Strictly Come Dancing but speculation over their replacements is already rife
Coral’s John Hill, said: ‘Zoe Ball is no stranger to the Strictly family, and we make the former It Takes Two host the favourite to replace Tess Daly next year.
‘Janette Manara and Fleur East are also at the top end of the betting, while we have seen some early support for Rylan Clark.’
According to Casino Beats, Holly is priced at 2-1, while radio and TV host Roman Kemp is closely behind at 3-1.
Alex Scott, known for Football Focus and The One Show, is also in contention at 4-1.
Elsewhere, Stacey Solomon 7-1, Maya Jama 8-1, Emma Willis 10-1, and AJ Odudu 12-1 are considered outside options.
Ollie Ring, spokesperson for Casino Beats, said: ‘The departure of both Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly marks the end of an era for Strictly Come Dancing, and naturally speculation has gone into overdrive about who could take the reins next.
‘Holly Willoughby (2/1) and Roman Kemp (3/1) are early market leaders, but familiar faces like Fleur East (5/1) and Janette Manrara (6/1) have strong ties to the show, while Alex Scott (4/1) remains a credible option.
‘Ultimately, the BBC’s next choice could shape the next decade of Strictly.’
But names to replace the hosting duo are already being suggested, with Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby and Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton among the front runners
Following the shock announcement, Holly (2-1) and Roman Kemp (3-1) also emerged as early favourites to take over presenting duties, according to Casino Beats
Meanwhile, according to Megaways Slots provider Spin Genie, Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Corneliu, Stacey and Kevin are most likely to get the job
Meanwhile, according to Megaways Slots provider Spin Genie, Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Corneliu, Stacey and Kevin are most likely to get the job.
She said: ‘Current odds suggest that power couple and former Strictly Come Dancing champions Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton lead the market to take over hosting duties, both priced at 2/1.
‘Since their memorable win in 2018, the pair have remained closely connected to the show, and with their weekly rundowns of this year’s series on their Substack, they strike the perfect balance between being qualified, passionate and in tune with the Strictly audience.’
It comes after Claudia, 53, who also hosts BBC series The Traitors and spin-off Celebrity Traitors, and Tess, 56, sat side by side in the clip that confirmed their exit.
Speaking to the camera, Claudia began: ‘There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.’
Tess chimed in: ‘We have news, after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.’
‘The very sparkly baton!’ Claudia laughed, before turning to her co-star and pal to add: ‘You’ve been here since the beginning.’
Tess replied, pointing to Claudia: ‘With Bruce, lovely Bruce [Forsyth], and that was over two decades ago but a lot of the time has been with you.
According to Casino Beats, Holly is priced at 2-1, while radio and TV host Roman Kemp is closely behind at 3-1
‘It’s been a huge part of our lives since our children were literally babes in arms, and now they’re adults, and I think genuinely we have cherished every second.’
Claudia continued: ‘We have, we’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and we just want to thank the Strictly team, because Strictly is the people who make it.’
The duo penned under the video: ‘We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.
‘We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.
‘They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other.
‘Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.’
In her own statement, Tess added: ‘After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.
It comes after Claudia, 53, who also hosts BBC series The Traitors and spin-off Celebrity Traitors, and Tess, 56, sat side by side in the clip that confirmed their exit
The presenting pair penned an emotional message to their fans under the clip
Tess previously presented the BBC One show alongside Bruce Forsyth before Claudia joined her as a permanent co-host in 2014
‘It’s hard to put it into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes…
‘Strictly has been more than just a television programme, it’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that first show back in 2004.
‘I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.
‘Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together, and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.
‘I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our magnificent judges, and all the celebrities who have taken part.
‘I absolutely adore our brilliant crew, every single member of the Strictly team who have worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is.
‘Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, the countless memories over all these years. You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much.
‘And to you, the viewers at home, the biggest thank you of all, thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades.
Claudia and Tess were seen sitting side by side in the clip that confirmed their departure, as they thanked the show’s crew and its viewers as home
The duo explained to fans of the BBC One series they ‘were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time’ to ‘pass the baton’
‘To my beloved Claud, what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you. You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared.
‘This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart, but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.’
Claudia went on to post a series of behind-the-scenes snaps of her and Tess working together on the show as she too paid tribute to her time on the series.
She penned: ‘It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It’s been the greatest relationship of my career.
‘From working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for.
‘I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.
‘Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it.
‘The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing.
‘I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.
‘As for Tess – I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.’
