TV Specials
Three top contenders lead race to replace Strictly Come Dancing hosts ahead of final
Janette Manrara and Fleur East share the lead at 2/1 to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as Strictly Come Dancing hosts, with Zoe Ball next at 3/1. Dave James gives his verdict on who the BBC is most likely to turn to.
Last Updated 2 months ago
🕒 Last Updated: 17 April 2026 — Odds correct at time of last update. These reflect the market at the time of the Tess and Claudia departure announcement. For the latest presenter odds see our updated Strictly presenter odds.
Strictly Come Dancing will be waltzing into a brand new era as long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have confirmed they’ll be stepping down at the end of the current series.
Tess Daly has fronted the show since its debut 21 years ago, while Claudia joined as co-host in 2014, forming one of the most iconic presenting partnerships in British television. Their warmth, humour and on-screen chemistry have been key to the show’s enduring success.
With their exit confirmed, bookmakers have wasted no time releasing odds on who could take over one of TV’s most glamorous hosting gigs.
Latest Odds to Replace Tess and Claudia
| Candidate | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Janette Manrara | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Fleur East | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Zoe Ball | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Roman Kemp | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Rylan Clark | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Alesha Dixon | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| Oti Mabuse | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Alison Hammond | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| Hannah Waddingham | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Holly Willoughby | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Whataretheodds.co.uk Celebrity Expert Dave James commented: “I’m sure the BBC will be looking for a smooth transition and ‘Auntie’ always tends to look close to home when replacing presenters. Janette Manrara is the clear fan favourite and of course an expert on all things Strictly. The It Takes Two presenter and former Strictly professional knows the show inside out and would bring warmth and familiarity to the role.”
“Fleur East is another who has really impressed since joining It Takes Two. She and Janette have formed a perfect partnership. She’s confident and charismatic, and really connects with the Strictly audience. She’d be a welcome addition to the flagship show.”
“At 3/1, Zoe Ball remains firmly in the running as well. She has the perfect mix of professionalism, having hosted It Takes Two for years.”
With the BBC expected to confirm their replacements soon, all eyes will be on who can bring their own shine to the Strictly ballroom. Note that following the Celebrity Traitors, Alan Carr also entered the market — see our Alan Carr Strictly odds post for those developments.
