The race to become the next face of Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly entering its final stages, with insiders claiming the shortlist has been reduced to two names.
According to industry sources, Zoe Ball and Emma Willis are now the leading contenders as BBC executives shape the show’s next chapter.
| Candidate | Odds |
|---|---|
| Zoe Ball | 4/7 |
| Emma Willis | 5/6 |
| Fleur East | 7/4 |
| Rylan Clarke | 2/1 |
| Alan Carr | 3/1 |
| Amanda Holden | 3/1 |
| Holly Willoughby | 4/1 |
| Janette Manrara | 4/1 |
| Stacey Dooley | 5/1 |
| Hamza Yassin | 6/1 |
It is understood bosses are keen to maintain an all-female presenting line-up following the exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. That approach appears to have edged out reported interest from male stars including Alan Carr and Bradley Walsh.
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Several high-profile figures were previously linked with the vacancy, among them Angela Scanlon, but insiders suggest the contest is now a straight shoot-out between Ball and Willis.
Ball, 55, stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show in December, a decision that sparked speculation she was preparing for a major television commitment.
She is closely associated with the Strictly brand, having fronted spin-off series Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two and hosted the live tour, giving her strong ties to the format and its audience.
Willis, 49, is widely regarded as a seasoned live presenter. She previously anchored Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother during their Channel 5 run, earning praise for her calm presence during high-pressure broadcasts.
No formal announcement has yet been made by the BBC, but industry talk suggests a decision could be revealed soon. For now, both presenters remain firmly in the frame, with sources insisting the role will go to just one of them.