Strictly’s Janette Manrara reveals BBC producers still don’t know who will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

by

Janette Manrara has shared that BBC executives haven’t yet decided who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.

The hosts revealed last year that they were leaving the BBC show, and since then, many people have been considered to take over as the new presenters.

But professional dancer Janette, 42, has given a behind-the-scenes insight into the show. 

Speaking in a new interview, she said: ‘Oh my goodness. Nobody knows who’ll replace them. 

I doubt the producers have made a decision yet. Whoever takes over has a lot to live up to, so it’s crucial they find the right person.

‘They’re probably the best two jobs in live television,’ she told Heat magazine. 

This news follows reports that Sian Welby was a possible candidate to host Strictly Come Dancing.

The TV host, 39, could take over from Claudia after she and Tess left the BBC show last year.

The Sun reports that show executives believe Sian would be a great host for the segment where contestants receive feedback from the judges, known as the ‘Clauditorium’.

Sian is most famous for hosting the breakfast show on Capital FM, and she’s also filled in as a guest host on This Morning a number of times.

Sian isn’t as prominent a candidate as some of the other people who have been considered for Tess and Claudia’s positions.

She has all the qualities needed for success, plus a key advantage: a younger fanbase gained from her work at popular radio station, Capital FM.

She’s a natural at quick, engaging conversation thanks to her radio background, which is perfect for hosting in the Clauditorium. Plus, her experience on ‘This Morning’ proves she’s comfortable and skilled on television.

Sources say Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are also top contenders for the hosting role.

Emma, age 49, now hosts the BBC Radio 2 afternoon show after Zoe, 55, left the position after only seven months.

Zoe has expressed strong interest in the hosting position, having previously presented the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two until 2021.

According to a source, it’s a tight race between Zoe and Emma, with Zoe currently leading. Only one of them will be chosen.

Sources told The Sun on Sunday that executives are looking for a presenter with a classic style to work with a more unconventional co-host – specifically, a female stand-up comedian.

People believe the funny and unique style Claudia brought to the show, especially through her segment called “Claudatorium”, should continue to be a part of it.

The Daily Mail contacted Emma Willis and Zoe Ball’s representatives for comment. 

Read More

2026-02-24 21:20