BBC Confirms All-Female Host Lineup for Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC has confirmed that the upcoming series of **Strictly Come Dancing** will feature an all-female hosting duo, following the announcement of **Tess Daly** and **Claudia Winkleman’s** departure from the show. The pair, who have co-hosted the popular dance competition since **2014**, revealed their decision to leave in a heartfelt social media video on **October 23, 2025**.

Sources indicate that Daly and Winkleman informed BBC executives of their decision to exit the show last November, a situation that remained confidential until recently. According to an insider, “They discussed this privately and agreed they would walk away together, but kept it firmly under wraps. It’s incredible they’ve managed to keep it a secret for so long.” Only a select group of BBC executives and their immediate families were aware of their plans.

The BBC is reportedly committed to maintaining an all-female hosting team, reflecting the significance of this choice for their flagship Saturday night programme. A source commented, “What is more certain is the fact that execs are expected to opt for two more women, because the Beeb values the symbolism of an all-female presenting team on their biggest Saturday night show.”

With the new season set to commence in **2026**, speculation has already begun regarding potential replacements. Front-runners include **Zoe Ball**, **Holly Willoughby**, **Stacey Dooley**, and **Kevin Clifton**. These names have emerged as popular choices among fans and industry insiders alike.

Zoe Ball, a veteran television and radio presenter, is considered a strong candidate due to her familiarity with the show, having previously hosted its spin-off, **It Takes Two**. Currently, she is viewed as the favourite, with bookmakers placing her odds at **2-1** to secure the role.

Holly Willoughby, another prominent figure in British television, is also among the top contenders. Having previously hosted shows like **Dancing On Ice**, she brings valuable experience to the table. Following her departure from **This Morning** in **2023**, she has been in search of new opportunities, making this role particularly appealing.

In addition to Ball and Willoughby, the odds also favour former **Strictly** champions Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, who are both priced at **2-1**. Their ongoing connection to the show and engagement with its audience through platforms like Substack position them as qualified candidates. According to **Kayley Corneliu**, a Celebrity PR Specialist, “Since their memorable win in 2018, the pair have remained closely connected to the show, striking the perfect balance between being qualified, passionate, and in tune with the Strictly audience.”

As the BBC prepares for a new chapter in the long-running series, the decision to maintain an all-female hosting team highlights a commitment to representation and inclusivity in one of the UK’s most beloved television programmes. The excitement surrounding the upcoming season continues to build as fans eagerly await the final announcement of the new hosts.

Daily Mail has reached out to the BBC for further comments regarding the hosting changes.