Key Points
- Alex Jones leads a seven-name shortlist, including Fleur East, Emma Willis and Zoe Ball
- Candidates face screen and chemistry tests in April, with a final decision due this summer
- Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr reportedly out of the running
STRICTLY Come Dancing could be heading for a major hosting refresh, with reports suggesting the BBC is considering adding a third presenter alongside its “new Tess & Claudia” line-up.
According to The Sun’s Bizarre column, the shortlist of possible hosts has now been narrowed to seven names.
Alex Jones is said to be the current frontrunner, with Fleur East, Emma Willis, Angela Scanlon, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball also in contention.
Insiders say the broadcaster is exploring several options as it looks to reinvent the show following the departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.
One idea under discussion is a three-host format, which would mark a big change for the ballroom favourite.
Screen tests and chemistry tests for the candidates are reportedly set to take place in April, with a final decision on the hosting format and who lands the jobs not expected until the summer.
Other names previously linked to the role, including Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, are said to be out of the running.
The hosting shake-up comes as Strictly also continues to make changes to its professional dancer line-up ahead of the next series.
Why This Matters
This potential shift to a three-host format matters because it signals a major rebrand for Strictly, affecting chemistry, viewer loyalty and ratings—testing fresh dynamics while trying to balance tradition with reinvention as the show adapts after its high-profile presenter departures.
