Strictly Come Dancing bosses are after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman replacements as both presenters left at the end of the last series, won by former England footballer Karen Carney
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s time on Strictly Come Dancing ended last year(Image: PA)
The One Show presenter Angela Scanlon is said to be in line to become the new Strictly Come Dancing presenter.
Angela, who has been a reporter on the BBC flagship show since 2016 and more recently has hosted in the absence of Alex Jones, has been lauded as “a top professional”. A source says Strictly bosses are particularly keen on Angela, 42, as they feel she is “BBC through and through”.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left the popular programme at the end of the last series, having forged a successful regular partnership since 2014. Several names have been linked to their vacant posts, including Alan Carr after his triumph on The Traitors last year, but it is now believed Angela will waltz onto the programme. She herself was a contestant in 2023, dancing with Carlos Gu who remains on the show.
A source told the Daily Mail: “It’s looking likely that Angela could get one of the jobs. The Beeb love a regional accent, she’s one of the BBC’s own and she’s no trouble whatsoever. She is BBC through and through and is regarded as a top professional. The BBC knows she is loved as a presenter of The One Show and that is what those making the hire are really looking at.”
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It is believed that so-called “chemistry tests” are the next stage, and they are due to take place after Easter. However, sources understand Angela, of County Meath, Ireland, has the right personality to fit in.
“There have been many names bandied around, some of which are not realistic… For Angela, Strictly would be a no-brainer. She might not be a superstar but she would grow with the role,” the insider continued.
Strictly bosses have had meetings in recent weeks as they plan for the next series of the programme, which typically starts in the autumn. It is said managers want at least one of the new faces to have a distinctive regional accent, a box mother-of-two Angela ticks.
Speaking in December when asked about the vacancies, Angela, a former magazine journalist, said: “You know what, I am such a fan of the show and have been forever, I would certainly answer the call.”
Alex Jones herself had been rumoured with one of the jobs, but it is thought she and Angela are reticent about teaming together despite their rapport on The One Show. Zoe Ball, the former host of Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two, is also believed to be in the running for one of the roles.
But bosses are also said to be mulling over the prospect of having a male anchor, the first since the late Bruce Forsyth who presented Strictly Come Dancing for nearly 10 years. The veteran entertainer departed after the 2013 series.