who will present strictly in 2026
You’re asking who will present Strictly Come Dancing in 2026 – but as of late March 2026, the BBC has not officially confirmed the new hosting line‑up yet. Everything online right now is informed rumour, betting odds, and “insider” chatter rather than a signed‑and‑announced BBC decision.
Who will present Strictly in 2026?
The only thing that’s clear so far is that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are stepping down after the 2025 series , which opens the door for a refreshed hosting team in 2026. The BBC is said to be testing different combinations of presenters, but has not revealed who got the job.
What’s actually known (not just gossip)
- No official BBC announcement yet on the 2026 presenters.
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are expected to leave after the 2025 run.
- Reports say “chemistry tests” for possible host trios or pairs are scheduled, with a shortlist sometimes described as a “magnificent seven” after others dropped out.
- Various tabloids and betting sites are pushing different “front‑runners”, but they don’t all agree.
So, strictly speaking, the only fully solid answer today is: the 2026 hosts haven’t been officially announced yet.
The main names being talked about
Betting markets and entertainment pages are treating this as a live contest, with a few names coming up again and again.
Some of the most frequently mentioned:
- Rylan Clark – Seen as a major contender, after hosting companion show It Takes Two and being widely tipped by bookmakers as “as good as confirmed” for at least one of the main roles.
- Fleur East – Appears near the top of betting odds; she’s already part of the Strictly family and seen as energetic and audience‑friendly.
- Hannah Waddingham – Also listed high in odds, bringing a mix of musical theatre, TV acting and big‑event presenting experience.
- Janette Manrara, Zoe Ball, Emma Willis, Rylan Clark, Roman Kemp, Holly Willoughby, Scott Mills, Stacey Dooley, Alesha Dixon, Alison Hammond, Alex Scott – All appear on betting lists as possibilities, with varying odds.
Tabloid pieces also mention that some initial favourites (like Holly Willoughby and Amanda Holden) are no longer in the running, which is why insiders now talk about a cut‑down shortlist.
Rumours about format changes
A lot of the current buzz is not just who , but how many hosts there might be.
- Some reports suggest a three‑host set‑up is being considered to replace the classic Tess‑and‑Claudia double act.
- Other pieces hint at a new double act already “manifested” or informally teased during big live events like the Brit Awards, though these are presented more as playful hints than formal announcements.
Until the BBC issues a press release or reveals the line‑up on air, all of this sits in the “strong rumour/speculation” column.
Fan and forum discussion vibes
If you browse fan forums and social chatter right now, you’ll see a few clear themes:
- Nostalgia vs. reboot – Some fans want another polished, safe pair in the Tess/Claudia mould; others are ready for a more chaotic, comedy‑leaning duo.
- Keep it in the Strictly family – Names like Rylan, Janette Manrara, Fleur East, Zoe Ball and Stacey Dooley appeal because they already “get” the show’s tone.
- Star power vs. live‑TV reliability – Big names like Hannah Waddingham generate excitement, but fans also stress the need for someone who can handle live Saturday‑night TV with the right mix of warmth and control.
You’ll also see people referencing betting odds threads and tabloid links, treating the host reveal a bit like transfer‑window gossip – fun to debate, but not official until the BBC says so.
Quick fact table: what we know vs. what’s rumoured
| Point | Status (as of March 2026) |
|---|---|
| Tess Daly & Claudia Winkleman leaving after 2025 | Widely reported, treated as confirmed for post‑2025 change. | [1]
| Official BBC announcement of 2026 hosts | Not yet published. | [9][8][1]
| Rylan Clark strongly tipped as new host | Heavily rumoured and backed by bookmakers, but not officially confirmed. | [5][1]
| Three‑host format for 2026 | Reported as under consideration; still in rumour/speculation territory. | [8]
| Shortlist / “magnificent seven” of candidates | Reported by entertainment press after some candidates dropped out. | [8]
So, if you’re asking “who will present Strictly in 2026?”
- There is no official, fully confirmed line‑up yet.
- Rylan Clark currently looks like the most talked‑about contender for one of the main roles, but even he hasn’t been formally announced.
- The BBC appears to be testing different combinations and may go for a refreshed duo or even a three‑host format , but that decision has not been made public.
Until the BBC makes its announcement, any specific answer like “X and Y will definitely present Strictly in 2026” would be speculation, not confirmed fact.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.