Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman became emotional during their final appearance in the Claudatorium last weekend, ahead of their impending exit
Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Scanlon has given a cryptic response to speculation about becoming the new host of the BBC programme. Earlier this year, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman revealed that the current series would be their final one, after presenting together for more than a decade.
During their last appearance in the Clauditorium last weekend, the duo became emotional when the four judges surprised them with a special tribute. The presenting pair were treated to a touching video montage featuring their greatest moments over the years, and tears flowed as Craig Revel Horwood delivered some heartfelt words.
“We just want to tell you how much we’re going to miss you and how much we love you to bits,” he shared.
He then joked: “I personally, want to say thank you Clauds for the dresses and the shoes you’ve thrown my way, and to you Tess, for all the pizza parties in your dressing room.”
Following their departure announcement, numerous high-profile figures have been tipped as possible successors, with Angela among them. The 41-year-old is familiar with the programme, having taken part in the 2023 series alongside professional dancer Carlos Gu.
Speaking about her elimination on Strictly: It Takes Two at the time, the presenter was visibly upset. Reflecting on her favourite moments with spin-off host Fleur East, she explained: “Charleston, week three and top of the leaderboard – this kind of took us totally by surprise and it was so joyful and glorious.
“The Argentine Tango in Blackpool, for me, which is possibly why this stings so much to come a week later.”
In her recent interview with The Metro, the former contestant was quizzed about Richard Osman suggesting her for the presenting role.
“Richard is amazing and to be uttered in the same breath as Tess and Claudia, who I admire so much? It’s phenomenal,” she said.
Speaking previously to The Sun about the subject, Angela praised the Strictly hosts for having “the most amazing dynamic”, a connection she described as “really important”.
“So there’s, you know, lots of different things to play for, but I would certainly answer the call,” she added.
Angela’s name has been floated alongside several others including Zoe Ball, Alan Carr, Alex Jones and Bradley Walsh.
Zoe was previously part of the Strictly Come Dancing family, first appearing as a contestant before moving on to host Strictly: It Takes Two.
During the 2014 series, she also co-presented the main show with Tess, standing in for Claudia for one weekend.
Last week, she revealed she will be leaving her BBC Radio 2 show after just seven months – seemingly freeing up time for a possible new role.
In her statement, she shared: “I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh [Ranganathan] and Rylan [Clark], and you know, I love you all to bits, but I’m not disappearing completely.
“Obviously, it’ll be Christmas Crooners and I’m doing an eras show in the new year.”
Zoe confirmed she will be succeeded by Emma Willis, who has fronted numerous programmes including Big Brother and The Voice.
While rumours continue to swirl about who might replace Tess and Claudia, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, recently made it clear that no final decisions will be taken until next year.
Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, she said: “The production team, BBC Studios, and Executive Producer Sarah James and her team are concentrating on getting two shows out a week.
