BBC’s 10-person shortlist for Strictly Come Dancing job ‘leaked by insider’

BBC bosses are reportedly drawing up a shortlist of 10 presenters including Bradley Walsh, Alan Carr and Holly Willoughby as they prepare for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure

BBC executives are reportedly compiling a shortlist of ten presenters as they prepare for one of the most significant shake-ups in Strictly Come Dancing’s history.

With veteran hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman set to leave their main presenting roles, bosses are said to be planning a completely new direction, according to The Sun.

The initial phase reportedly involves putting a group of prominent celebrities through extensive on-screen chemistry trials to determine who might be suitable for the roles.

Sources suggest the broadcaster has narrowed the candidates to what one insider called a “Golden Ten,” with all potential replacements expected to participate in confidential auditions scheduled for January.

Rather than selecting presenters purely on talent or charm, executives are said to be prioritising the ideal pairing, reports Wales Online.

“Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task, but the BBC have whittled down the talent to ten people,” the source said.

Those rumoured to be in contention include Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones, and Alan Carr, with Carr reportedly emerging as a frontrunner.

The insider added that he has become the favoured option among top bosses at the corporation.

The alleged shortlist also features Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, Rob Rinder, and Holly Willoughby, while Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond, and Angela Scanlon are also thought to have secured spots.

“They will go to a studio and be put into different pairs to see who works together best. It could be two mix. They will ultimately choose whoever has the best chemistry in each partnership.”

The BBC is believed to be particularly interested in pairings that have either previously demonstrated on-screen rapport or might bring something entirely new to the programme.

“Rylan and Rob present a travelogue series together on the BBC, so they already have great chemistry. It’s the same for Alan and Amanda, with their home renovation show,” the source said.

Zoe Ball’s experience within the Strictly family is also thought to count in her favour. “Zoe hosted Strictly’s spin-off show, It Takes Two, and they know she is a very steady pair of hands. It’s just finding the right fit for her.”

Bradley Walsh and The One Show host Alex Jones were initially tipped as frontrunners, but sources now suggest Alan Carr’s chances have risen following his recent television successes, including winning Celebrity Traitors and landing a new BBC quiz show.

“The idea of Alan in the Claudiatorium is getting the BBC top brass frothing at the mouth. They think he would be perfect.”

Insiders say the aim is to shake things up rather than replicate the current formula. Tess has helmed Strictly since its launch in 2004, initially alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Claudia joined the team a decade later.

The duo announced in October that they would be stepping down following this series, with their penultimate regular episode airing this evening. They have already filmed their final Christmas special, set to air on Christmas Day.

Audience members at the recording described an emotional atmosphere. “Tess was wiping away tears. The last Strictly episode next week is going to be emotional,” an insider said.

The BBC declined to comment on the claims.