Melanie Blatt ‘takes major step towards replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly’ after impressing bosses on Christmas special

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After a strong performance on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, Melanie Blatt is now a leading contender to become a new host, potentially replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Melanie Chisholm, best known as a member of the group All Saints, was among the celebrities taking part in this year’s Christmas Day special, which was recorded earlier in December.

This episode was also the last time viewers would see Tess and Claudia host the beloved BBC dance competition, after they had led the show for 21 years.

Scarlett Moffatt won the recent festive show, but sources say Melanie impressed producers and is now a strong possibility to join the show in the future.

Melanie and her partner Kai Widdrington, 30, wowed the judges with their American Smooth dance, receiving a score of 36 – including a perfect 10 from judge Shirley Ballas.

A source told The Sun: ‘Melanie and Brian McFadden really caught the eye. 

Since Brian will be touring with Boyzlife next year, he’s unavailable, creating a great opportunity for Melanie.

The Daily Mail has contacted BBC for comment. 

Tess and Claudia announced in October that they would be leaving their roles together, describing hosting Strictly as a dream come true. They explained that they had always planned to leave as a pair and felt the time was right to move on.

We’re so grateful for the incredible experience of making this series and want to thank the BBC and everyone involved. They’re a fantastic team, and we’ll truly miss working with them.

It’ll be sad to say goodbye to those carefree, energetic moments, but we’ll always remind each other to keep going. Maybe someday, we’ll be doing it in comfy clothes at home with a pizza!

Tess and Claudia will appear on the Christmas special, following reports that they’re planning a celebratory, alcohol-fueled wrap party to mark their exit from Strictly.

After 21 years, the popular pair hosted their final live show last Saturday. They also appeared one last time in the series’ pre-recorded Christmas special.

Both Tess and Claudia became part of the Strictly team at the show’s wrap party over the weekend, and insiders say they’re now planning a more lively celebration with plenty of drinks in the New Year.

Tess stayed out late celebrating, even leading a singalong of ‘Three Lions’ to celebrate footballer Karen Carney’s achievement. Claudia, however, left the party after having only one drink.

The star has been on the show since it began in 2004, originally hosting with Bruce Forsyth. She continued in the role after Sir Bruce retired in 2013.

According to a source, Tess and Claudia are planning a large get-together for the Strictly team in the New Year, complete with drinks, to celebrate and say goodbye properly.

They shared that the celebration will be a lengthy lunch with their nearest and dearest, filmed for the show and allowing everyone to relax and be themselves privately.

Claudia just stopped by for one drink on Saturday, so this small party will be a nice way to say goodbye to her.

Saturday’s final show featured many heartfelt tributes to Claudia and Tess, including a touching video filled with messages from the Strictly team and Mary Berry.

They were incredibly touched when a letter from Queen Camilla was read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood, completely taking them by surprise.

To Tess and Claudia, as you get ready for your last dance, I want to express our gratitude – from all of us watching each week.

I’ve always believed that Strictly Come Dancing isn’t really about the dancing itself, but more about the friendships created, the challenges people face together, and the happiness they find in working towards a common goal.

You know, as someone who’s observed a lot of relationships, I have to say yours is truly special. The genuine warmth, kindness, and joy you share has been absolutely captivating, and honestly, I believe it’s been a huge part of why everyone loves watching you. It’s possibly the most beautiful partnership I’ve ever seen.

Speaking for everyone, we all agree you’ve been amazing. We wish you the best in whatever you do next, and as someone who’s always enjoyed it, please promise us you’ll keep dancing!

‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’

Clearly moved, Tess expressed her gratitude to fans, saying she was too emotional to speak. She thanked them for their kind messages, explaining how much they meant to her and everyone involved.

Claudia responded with delight, saying it was a wonderful surprise and expressing her sincere gratitude. She shared that she and her team thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the show and felt honored to have been a part of viewers’ weekends.

In October, the pair revealed in an Instagram video that they were leaving the show, explaining it was time for them to step down and expressing their thanks for the experience.

Ever since Tess and Claudia announced they were leaving, everyone’s been wondering who will take their place on Strictly Come Dancing.

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2025-12-26 03:36