BBC star addresses replacing Tess and Claudia on | UK News

Earlier this yr, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from their roles as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.

Their remaining episode was broadcast on Christmas Day 2025, leaving BBC bosses in search of their successors.

On January 10, BBC Breakfast host Charlie Stayt put Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebutt on the spot live on air, asking if he would take into account taking up the function.

As Charlie and co-host Naga Munchetty crossed over to Matt for a preview of his show, Charlie requested: “Matt, can I just check with you? I think you’ve got a sprinkling of Strictly stardom in the studio with you there so for the record are you ruling yourself out from presenting Strictly Come Dancing? Just for the record.Matt playfully replied: “.

In response, Matt playfully said: “No, I’ll present anything me. I’ll give it a crack. What could go wrong? There’s not many presenters left anymore.”, stories the Mirror.

The dialog rapidly moved on to visitor Shirley Ballas, who was showing on the cooking show to promote the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Live Tour, set to start later this month.

The head choose can be joined by Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood as stars from the glitzy show carry out at sold-out venues across the nation.

Discussing Tess and Claudia’s substitute on Saturday Kitchen, dance skilled Shirley told Matt: “I know Anton Du Beke would like to take over, I know that for sure. He loves presenting. I don’t mind anybody but my mother rather likes Rylan and Judge Rinder.”

Professional dancer Vito Coppola, who also appeared on Saturday Kitchen, said: “I hope Fleur East. She will be amazing you know.

“A bit of internet hosting, presenting, a bit of singing sometimes. She can transfer, dance, up, down and she was my first accomplice in my first Strictly yr.”

When Tess and Claudia revealed their departure from Strictly in October, they released a joint statement describing their time on the programme as “an absolute dream” but acknowledged it “seems like the correct time” to move on.

Since the announcement, several names have emerged as potential replacements, including Holly Willoughby, Fleur East and Emma Willis. Former contestant Zoe Ball has also entered the conversation following her decision to step down from her BBC Radio 2 programme.

Industry insiders are also tipping BBC star Zoe as a strong contender for the hosting role, with Boyd Hilton, entertainment director at Heat magazine, describing her as a “good wager”.

Reports recommend that candidates under consideration are present process in-studio chemistry exams.

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One from 6am