Iconic Strictly Come Dancing presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have left the show and a string of celebrities have been linked with the vacancies, including one former BBC star
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse has revealed “I get emotional” as she spoke out on rumours she is being lined up to present the iconic programme.
Two of the hottest jobs on British television are up for grabs after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman made the shock announcement that they would be standing down from Strictly partway through the last series.
There have been a host of names linked with stepping into their sizeable shoes, including ex-Strictly professional Oti. She starred on the BBC show for seven seasons before leaving in 2021.
Oti won the coveted Glitterball in consecutive years with soap actor Kelvin Fletcher and comedian Bill Bailey. She’s one of only two professionals to win it twice and the only to do so in consecutive years. Despite this she would not be drawn on if she would throw her hat into the ring despite revealing “I love Strictly”.
She told The Times: “I wouldn’t be sitting here without that show. Claudia and Tess are….I get emotional when I talk about it, because they are just so brilliant. Nobody really sees the work that Tess has to do – that show’s live, she’s making sure it’s not running over.
“I think anyone who gets asked to do that job is so lucky and will do it splendidly. The producers will do a good job (choosing) because they know that show better than any of us.”
Oti, 35, said despite the shock of Tess and Claudia’s departures, “Strictly belongs to the people” and will continue to “survive and thrive”.
According to bookmakers the likes of Fleur East, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark and Hannah Waddingham are in the running to take the coveted roles.
Oti left Strictly in 2021 to pursue other opportunities, and this year she is set to join the judging panel for the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars. She said that will rule her out of the Strictly running, adding: “I can’t (do it!) I’m here. I love Dancing with the Stars.”
Since leaving Strictly she has also become a mother to her two-year-old daughter, appeared on The Masked Dancer and Dancing on Ice as well as appearing on I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out of Here!
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were reunited just weeks after their emotional goodbye to the series was aired. The pair reunited for the launch of Tess’ new clothing range.
Tess, who has partnered with NAIA Beach to create a range of activewear, was spotted grinning from ear to ear as she hung out with her friend at the launch. In a photo posted to Claudia’s Instagram, the pair smiled at each other as Claudia held up a blue vest and matching leggings.
Source: Mirror
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